Michael Ortega

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Ortega a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, businessman, and friend whose life was defined by family, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Michael was born on October 29, 1956, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He graduated from Bernalillo High School in 1975, an accomplishment and time in his life that he always carried with great pride. Michael especially cherished his years playing football for Bernalillo High School and the memories and friendships that came along with them.

Family was at the center of Michael’s life. He shared 44 years of marriage with his loving wife, Cheryl Ortega building a life and family together that became one of his greatest legacies.

Michael is survived by his sons, Mike Jr Ortega, and Kyle Ortega along with Kyle’s wife, Krystal Torrez-Ortega. He was a proud grandfather to his five grandchildren, Treyton Padilla, Antonio Torrez, Brinley Ortega, Braylon Ortega, and Syxe Ortega. His grandchildren held an incredibly special place in his heart, and the love and memories he gave them will remain a part of them for the rest of their lives.

Michael was one of seven siblings. He is survived by his brothers Charles Thomas and Abel Ortega and was preceded in death by his siblings Cleo Davis, Cathy Chavez, Filbert Ortega, Eloy Ortega, and Lawrence Ortega. Along with his local family, Michael will also be greatly missed by his extended family from the Midwestern United States.

For approximately 45 years Michael was a familiar and respected part of New Mexico’s propane home-delivery community. Propane was more than simply a career for Michael—it was a family tradition. His father, Jesus Maria Ortega and mother Ruby Lori Thomas founded Ortega’s Propane, where Michael became part of a family business and learned the value of hard work, dedication, and taking care of the people you serve. He later carried that legacy forward as the owner of his own family business, Ortega & Sons Propane. Through decades of early mornings, long days, and countless deliveries, Michael built more than a business; he continued a family name and tradition that will live on through the generations after him.

When he wasn’t working, Michael was happiest outdoors. An avid hunter, he loved hunting and all things outdoors—the quiet, the freedom, and the time spent surrounded by nature. Those were some of the places and moments where Michael was most at home.

Michael leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy that cannot be measured simply in years. It can be seen in the family he loved, the marriage he shared for 44 years, the sons he raised, the grandchildren who will carry his memory forward, the family business and name he helped build, and the countless lives he encountered throughout more than four decades of serving his community.

Michael Ortega was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed. His hardworking spirit, love for his family, and the legacy he spent a lifetime building will live on in all those who knew and loved him.

Services to be held September 18th at Calvary Chapel in Los Lunas ; 701 Main St NE, Los Lunas 87031

Condolences at 10:30am; Services at 11am, to be followed by Reception on site.