It is with profound grief and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Diane M. Ortiz, age 83, who was a lifelong resident of Montezuma, New Mexico.  She passed away peacefully on November 9, 2021 with courage and dignity in the comfort of her home.

Diane was born on September 5, 1938 in Montezuma, New Mexico to Maria A. Padilla and was primarily raised by her grandparents Juan and Sarah Padilla.

She was preceded in death in 2017 by her loving and dear husband Carlos whom she was married to for 60 years, her mother, grandparents and brother LeRoy Salas.  She is survived by her two sons: Carlos Ortiz, Jr. and wife Mary Jean, and Johnathan Ortiz and wife Darleen all of Las Vegas, New Mexico.  She is also survived by her grandchildren: Carlos Chip Ortiz (Ashley), Karly Gonzales (Jeremy), Lorenzo Ortiz, Amanda Ortiz-Briggs (Ryan) and Alicia Ortiz-Briggs (Ray); great-grandchildren: Jaxson Lane and Cash Ortiz.  In addition she is survived by brother and sisters: Jean Gallegos and husband Herman of Las Vegas, New Mexico; Daniel Salas and wife Fabiola of Evanston, Wyoming; and Sarah Gray and husband Warren of Pride, Louisiana; numerous nephews, nieces, relatives, special cousin Lee Almanzar and close friends Joe and Connie Gallegos.  Diane, the strength and foundation of our family will be deeply missed by her sons and family.

She was a life-long Catholic and was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. She loved her two sons more than life itself, loved her family and cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she doted on.  Throughout her life she was an avid reader.  Additionally, she enjoyed long walks in Sebastian Canyon and quiet summer evenings relaxing on the back porch with our dad.

Along with our father, she owned and operated the 104 Package Liquor Store while attending New Mexico Highlands University and successfully earned both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees.  She retired from West Las Vegas Public Schools where she was a Spanish teacher.  She never had an extensive desire to travel, but ultimately visited Acapulco, Hawaii, Oregon, California, Wyoming, Louisiana, and recently Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.    She liked to surf the Web and loved word puzzles of all kinds.  Her favorite TV programs were mysteries and comedies.

Rosary services will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 700pm at Our Lady of Sorrow Parish. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 930am at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish with Father Rob Yaksich as celebrant and will be streamed live at www.oloslasvegas.org as well as the Our Lady of Sorrows Facebook page.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, face masks must be worn and appropriate social distancing is required for those attending services in person.  A private committal service and burial of cremains will take place at a later date at the Jesus, Maria y Jose Cemetery in Montezuma and where she will be laid to rest with her late husband Carlos.  Serving as Urn Bearers will be her two sons Johnathan and Carlos.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the professional care of Rogers Mortuary in Las Vegas, New Mexico 1-800-479-3511 or 505-425-3511.Please visit our website: www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.