Agapito Ortiz

Agapito (Pete) Ortiz, age 89 of Newkirk, NM passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 1, 2009. Mr. Ortiz was born in Newkirk on June 26, 1919 to Pedro and Clarita (Vigil) Ortiz. Mr. Ortiz married Amalia Benavidez in 1946. He ranched in Guadalupe and Quay Counties throughout his life. He raised cattle and was known for raising and training quarter horses. During his youth, he worked for the Bell Ranch building fences and he worked for the State of New Mexico until his retirement in 1982. Mr. Ortiz was a World War II Veteran from 1941-1945. He enlisted in the Air Force and then transferred to the Army, Company K, 385th Infantry Division. In 1944, he was transferred to the newly formed 76th Infantry Division. Mr. Ortiz fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Ardennes Offensive in 1944. Mr. Ortiz was an avid genealogist, researching his family to 1560 in Siero, Spain. He enjoyed traveling, visiting friends and family, and sharing stories about the “good old days.” He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Amalia (2000), daughter Sylvia Netzer (1997), and sons, Delbert Ortiz (1970) and Kevin Ortiz (1979). His siblings preceded him in death; brother Tony Ortiz, sisters Nieves Pacheco, Teresita Benavidez, Soledad Martinez, Tillie Benavidez, and Josephina Arellano. Mr. Ortiz is survived by his children, William Ortiz and wife Joan of Newkirk, NM; Nancy Hall and husband Robert of Newkirk, NM; Agnes Ortiz O’Connell and husband John of Stanley, NM, and son-in-law David Netzer of Alamogordo, NM; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers are his grandchildren; Michael Thomas, Naomi Jensen, Valentino Pacheco, Bill Ortiz, Leona Lopez, Erik Hall, Maria Irving, Tina Rios, Brian Ortiz, Lori Ortiz, and Kevin Trotter. Honorary Bearers are his great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. A rosary is planned for Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, New Mexico with Deacon Marvin Marquez officiating. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 11:00 Am at the Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, New Mexico with Father Antonio Mondragon officiating. Interment will follow at the Ortiz Ranch Family Cemetery in Newkirk, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Breast Cancer Society in memory of his daughter, Sylvia Netzer. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses (Sherrie, Debbie, and Laura) from Helping Hands Hospice in Tucumcari and all family and friends that visited and offered their kindness. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa, NM (575) 472-3369. To place an online tribute, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.