HELEN ORTIZ

September 2, 1934 – June 8, 2026

Helen Ortiz, age 91, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026. Born on September 2, 1934, in Monte Vista, Colorado, to Max and Mary Ortiz. Helen grew up in the San Luis Valley, surrounded by the beautiful blue skies of Sangre de Cristo and the San Juan mountain ranges. She graduated from Monte Vista High School with the Class of 1952 and carried throughout her life the strength, resilience, and spirit that reflected her beloved deep Colorado roots.

As a woman of strong and unwavering faith, Helen made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to honor the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1981. Upon returning home, Helen and her sister Arlene created handmade rosaries for family members, a treasured reminder of her faith and devotion to others.

Helen's life was marked by hard work, dedication and love for others. She began her career at Malouff Meat and Grocery and later became a longtime employee of Safeway Stores, where she worked up the ranks until retirement. During her years at Safeway, she was a strong advocate for workers' rights and proudly served as a union representative, always standing up for fairness and dignity in the workplace.

Civically engaged and guided by her principles, Helen campaigned for local city office and remained a steadfast supporter of the Democratic Party. She was particularly passionate about advancing women's rights and often expressed her belief that, “Women have to be treated equally, anywhere, and everywhere.” Her honesty, courage, and straightforward nature earned her the respect and admiration of many throughout her community.

Family was always at the center of Helen's life. Loved ones fondly remember road trips with her and the aunties to Matamoros, Mexico, where they browsed local mercados, shopped for summer clothes, and enjoyed evenings filled with live music and dancing. She also loved and was a force to be reckoned with at the local bowling alley with friends and family. All her nieces and nephews, remember Aunt Helen's infectious laugh, humor, generosity and sense of fun as she packed everyone into a single car for trips to Dairy Queen or A&W, where cherry-dipped cones and root beer floats became treasured childhood memories. Her natural loving devotion to family was instilled by her parents while growing up and was the foundation of who Helen was to all. Especially, the immediate family who she took care of up until her final days. 

While Helen was known for her vibrant personality and joyful spirit, she was also a woman of conviction. When she spoke, she meant what she said, and she expected action when action was needed. Her generosity extended far beyond material gifts; she gave freely of her time, attention, wisdom, and care, often recognizing and meeting the needs of others before they were ever expressed.

Helen's legacy is one of faith, strength, service, and love. She was the cornerstone of her extended family, helping to guide, support, and nurture generations of nieces, nephews, and loved ones. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her example will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Mary Ortiz, brothers Leo Ortiz, Richard Ortiz and Thomas Ortiz and sisters Emma Ortiz, Virginia Perea, Connie Samora, Arlene Ortiz and Maxine Martinez. 

Helen is survived and lovingly remembered by her brothers: Gilbert Ortiz Sr. and Bobby Ortiz and sister Betty Sandoval, her many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and by countless relatives, friends, and community members whose lives she touched. 

Helen's influence extended through generations as a cherished and loved Aunt to many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and was especially loved by her grandniece, Serenity Valdez.

While she is no longer with us, her love, strength and memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, she now rest peacefully, reunited with her beloved parents, family members and friends who passed before her.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Strohmayer's Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Arrangements are under the care of Strohmayer's Funeral Home.