Eleuterio Estevan Ortiz

Eleuterio “Terry” Ortiz, 84, passed away August 18, 2024. He was born October 5, 1939, to Erminia Ortiz in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Terry’s father, Manuel Ortiz, died the month before his birth. As the baby of the family, he was raised by his single mother and his 5 older siblings. He was part of a large extended family, and his many cousins and close friends were said to be more than a handful growing up. We are happy to say that never really changed. He was quick with a smile and a joke and could find almost any reason to host a party, and ranking high on his list of favorites were his “birthdays” at the balloon fiesta RV park. 

Terry graduated Santa Fe High School in 1958 and attended St Michael’s College for a short period before joining the United States Navy in 1959. He served 4 years of active duty and an additional 2 years in the reserves. After active duty, he returned to New Mexico and began working for the state highway department. In April of 1965, Terry was introduced to the love of his life, Ramona “Angel” Esquibel. After a whirlwind one-month courtship, they were engaged in May, married in November and shared 56 years of marriage. During the early part of their marriage, Terry worked for the US Postal Service and later returned to college to finish his degree. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of New Mexico in December 1973 and became a dedicated Lobo fan “woof woof woof”. After college he enjoyed a 29-year career with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers which included a tour of service in Kuwait after Operation Desert Storm. 

Together, Terry and Angel raised four children and moved many times, living in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Bosque Farms, Portales, and Las Cruces, NM as well as El Paso, TX. As young parents, they would often split work shifts; Terry worked days and cared for the children at night. Over the years, Terry shared many stories of his parenting trials from his gourmet menu (each week consisted of the same four meals) and running for the neighbor when his stubborn son held his breath and passed out. He relayed these memories with his innate sense of humor and would add many more parenting adventures from being a scout leader to chauffeuring teenagers for field trips and competitions. He was the parent everyone wanted to host the backyard cook-out and chaperone dances. While he was good natured, he expected good grades and respectful behavior from his children and their friends. More than a few friends were surprised at the dinner table when he asked to see their grades, and many came back later in the year with better marks. 

Terry enjoyed traveling, and what began as marathon trips to California in the family station wagon became the accomplishment of his longtime goal to visit all 50 states. In retirement, Terry and Angel hit the road and had numerous years of RV travels, many of which were shared with family and friends. Devoted to family, Terry felt blessed to support everyone by attending countless performances, games, graduations, weddings, and really any cause for celebration. In 2019, he discovered he had another son and felt blessed to welcome him and more grandchildren to the family. In his last years, the addition of his great granddaughters brought a great source of joy. 

Terry is survived by his sister Theresa Salazar of Las Cruces; his sisters-in-law Trinney Barela (Frank), of Albuquerque and Joan Garcia of Mesa, AZ; by his children: Gary Leyba (Carolina), Louise Harty (Leland), Joseph Ortiz (Amy) of Las Cruces, NM, Kathryn Ortiz-Kent (Scott) of Gilbert, AZ, Steven Ortiz of Los Lunas, NM; twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He also held a special place in his heart for his godchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Rosary and Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine & Parish in Las Cruces on August 26, 2024, at 10:00am. Interment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to his church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine & Parish in Las Cruces or to your favorite children’s charity.