Guy Bruce Wertz, 78 years of age, passed on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at his home.

Bruce was born March 5, 1948, in Las Vegas, the middle son of William (Bill) Wertz and Edith Trumbull Wertz. Bruce lived his entire life in Las Vegas in the same home he shared with his family on 7th Street. He fondly recalls his childhood growing up within two blocks of both sets of his grandparents.

Long before New Mexico was even granted statehood, Bruce Wertz' family was firmly rooted in Las Vegas, making his one of the oldest families in the area. Both of Bruce's parents were born in Las Vegas. His maternal grandmother was born in Socorro, and her grandfather started a business here in 1879. His company constructed a building that is now known as Hayes Plumbing and Heating and was originally a mercantile company known as Browne & Manzanares. The Wertz side of the family arrived in Las Vegas in January of 1889. Those are some deep roots!

After graduating from Robertson high school in 1966, Bruce attended Cochise

College just outside Douglas, Ariz. He returned to Las Vegas where he graduated from Highlands University with a BA degree in History in 1971. After college, Bruce worked at his family's sporting goods store (on the corner of 7th and Lincoln), as a substitute teacher for all grades, and more recently, as a part-time clerk/receptionist for Las Vegas City Schools for 28 years.

Bruce grew up in a tennis-playing family. He played on the Robertson High School team. Later, he was an assistant tennis coach and head coach of the girls' tennis team there. Under his leadership, the girls won a district title in 1986 for the first time since the 1940s.

Bruce is survived by two brothers, Bill, who resides in Oklahoma City with his wife Marva. They have two sons, Joe and Andrew. Rick, his younger brother, makes his home in Alamosa, CO as does his son, Paul and his wife, Fawn.

Bruce was a church goer his entire life. He was baptized in the Episcopal Church and later attended the Methodist church. Bruce began attending the Presbyterian church with his parents in the 1970s. He served as Deacon for two terms and was a

member of Session, as well as helping with many of the youth activities, and lending a hand whenever needed.

Bruce's favorite hobbies included genealogy and bridge.

A celebration of Bruce's life will be held at the Presbyterian Church, 1000 Douglas Avenue in Las Vegas on April 11 at 10:30 am followed by lunch in the parish hall. A burial ceremony will then be held at the Masonic Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701. 505-425-3511.

Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.

If sending the family, a sympathy card via our online service you may mail it directly to the family by clicking "Send to Family Address"