Rosa Ortiz

July 15, 1920 - May 31, 2018

ROSA L. ORTIZ, 97 of Greeley, formerly of Julesburg, passed away May 31, 2018, in Greeley. Rosa was born July 15, 1920, in Mexico to Eulogio and Maria de Jesus (Alvarado) Labrado. As a young woman, Rosa was walking down the street when she found a magazine lying in the gutter. She picked it up and proceeded to read a notice that had been placed by a young widower, looking for a companion. Despite never looking into such things before, something compelled Rosa to answer the ad, and she subsequently began writing to the man that would become her future husband, Eusebio Ortiz. After communicating back and forth extensively by mail, the two decided to meet by train in El Paso, TX. They were married in El Paso, TX at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and they would make their home in Big Springs, were Eusebio had been working for the Union Pacific Railroad. The couple lived there for ten years before eventually moving to Julesburg, where they lived the rest of their married lives together. Following her husband's death in 1995, Rosa spent time living with her children, Salvador and Linda. Rosa loved music and was an avid gardener. Her favorite flowers were roses, tulips, and irises. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, and as a young girl, was often called upon to sing at gatherings. She was an excellent seamstress, and also liked embroidery and crocheting. Rosa had a very caring and giving spirit. She loved animals, and typically fed all the cats and dogs in the neighborhood. Rosa was in her element when spending time with her family. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly. Rosa loved to journal and was a woman of great faith. Having lost her husband, a son, and all of her siblings, Rosa would tell you that her faith in Jesus is what got her through. Rosa was preceded in death by her husband; son, Salvador Ortiz; grandson, Ruben Ortiz; 2 brothers; and six sisters. Survivors include her daughters, Linda (Dean) Young of Greeley, Martha (Anthony Garduno) Ortiz of Erie, Helen Serrato and Olga Nieto, both of Julesburg, Andrea Resendez of Eureka, CA; 12 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. A memorial has been established in Rosa's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjuesburg.com. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 10:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Julesburg with Father Michael O'Brien as Celebrant. Burial will be in the Ovid Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday the 4th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Julesburg. A Rosary will be held that evening at 7:00 pm at the church. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.