Joaquin Ortega Chacon was born Jan. 27, 1955, in Santa Ana, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Paulita and Doroteo Ortega. Joaquin passed away Nov. 30 in Pagosa Springs.Joaquin came to work in Pagosa Springs in 1974. He was a ranch hand for several ranches through his years in Pagosa Springs. He later became a mason. Joaquin was very devoted to his Catholic faith, his family and his work.
Joaquin is survived by his mother, Paulita Ortega, of Mexico; Cristobal Ortega, of Mexico; Domingo (Juanny) Ortega, of Forth Worth, Texas; Emillo (Erma) Ortega, of Farmington, N.M.; sisters Manuela Ortega BV Medrano and Irene (Socorro) Burunda, both of Mexico; seven children, Darillo (April) Ortega, Doroteo Ortega, Laura (Jacob) Herrera, Eric Ortega, Pfc. Mireya Ortega, Valissatie Chavez and Demetrio (Nacona) Chavez, all of Pagosa Springs; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be held in his honor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. A eulogy will be given at 9:45 a.m. on Dec. 6, followed by Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Hilltop Cemetery, followed by lunch at the Parish Hall.
