Rosemary Ortega

Rosemary (Sisneros) Ortega became a resident of Heaven on February 15, 2017 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

Rosemary Riali was born July 30, 1930 just outside of Raton, New Mexico in the coal mining camps to Rosie Frambers.  She was raised by her grandparents Nick and Agata Riali.  Growing up in that era she knew hardship and hard work first hand.  As the camps migrated into Raton New Mexico that would be where she established roots and her family.

The first love of Rosemary’s life was Albert S. Ortega.  They married in Raton and had 5 children.  Rosemary would become a young widow in 1962 when Albert was killed in coal mining accident.  Rosemary would never forget the kind loving man she married always making sure her children knew their father was a good man and stayed close his family and reserved a place in her heart for Albert.

God decided to provide her another chance at love and a life partner.  She met Rudy Sisneros in 1965 at dance and the rest is history. They had one daughter would spend the rest of her life together as Rudy was a stable and constant loving companion.

Rose and Rudy along with her 5 children his 3 children and their 1 child blended together a family and moved to Denver in 1968.  Rosemary was primarily a homemaker she also worked a variety of jobs like housecleaning, and production work, hard work was in her blood.  Her greatest joy however was helping as a volunteer for non-profits Like Volunteers of America, local food banks and churches.  Always helping others and giving was her life’s passion.  She and Rudy moved to Grand Junction Colorado in 1980 and ventured between there and Denver until her death.

The heart of Rosemary’s life were her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even 3 great great grandchildren.  She was protective and proud of each one.  She let their individuality shine.  Rose will forever be remembered as always cooking and feeding anyone in sight family and stranger alike.  She would distribute her famous salsa and Spaghetti when doing errands like banking, paying bills and getting gas.  Her home was a refuse for anyone needing a meal, a bed, a shoulder to cry on or someone to pray with.  She was generous beyond measure and gave all she had.  She was sassy, spunky, silly, and she loved to have fun.  Her greatest joys were Jesus, bingo, yard sales, slot machines, and doll collecting.  Church and her faith were a cornerstone in her life.  She leaves no enemies behind as she loved and forgave all.  All who knew her had a friend for life.

Rose is not alone in heaven.  She joins Albert S. Ortega, Parents Nick and Agatha Riali and Rosie Frambers.  Siblings, Mary Maes, Lena Martinez, Jimmy Riali, Charlie Riali, Aggie Rea, and John Maes.

The legacy she leaves behind to continue her ways are:

Life Partner Rudy V. Sisneros of Grand Junction Colorado, Children, Yvonne (James) Martin, Joann (Ray Peterson) Ortega, Nickie D (Catherine) Ortega, Deborah “Debbie” Ortega, Rose (Steve) Clark, Molly van Lawick and Joseph A. Sisneros, step sons Pat Sisneros and John Sandoval, 11 Grand Children, 14 Great Grand Children, 3 Great Great Grand Children.

Siblings Tony Riali, Bob Maes, Betty Wasson, Janie Tipton.

A Memorial Celebration and Meal in Rosemary’s honor will held at Jubilee Family Church  483   30   Road

Grand Junction,  CO  81504  at 1 PM

Memorial Contributions may be made to Jubilee Family Church Food Pantry or a Food Bank of your Choice