Patsy Aguilera Ochoa

Patsy Ochoa, 91, of Littleton, Colorado, passed peacefully on June 2, 2023, with family by her side. Patsy (Petra) Aguilera was born on December 4, 1931, near Cisco, Utah to Monico and Lucy Aguilera. She was the eldest of 11 children and considered a second mother to some.

Patsy met the love of her life, Ben Ochoa, at the Canteen dance in Grand Junction, Colorado and they were married on May 13, 1950. They were each other’s favorite dance partner and together they had three children, eight grandchildren, and seven (soon to be eight) great grandchildren. They started their family in Green River, Utah and then moved to Grand Junction, to live among family and friends, for many years.

Patsy’s proudest accomplishment was her family. Those who knew and loved Patsy best called her Nan. She spent much of her life being a devoted wife to Ben, raising her family, and building a welcoming home. She adored spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. A highlight of her final year was weekly Thursday visits with new great grandson, Charlie. Patsy created memories around the dinner table and through home cooked meals, always cooking favorites like tortillas, menudo, and paella for her family. She also started many long-time family traditions, including the Christmas cookie bake and enchiladas on Christmas Eve.

Patsy enjoyed traveling with Ben for both his work and their leisure. During the summer she and her family enjoyed countless trips to “The Cabin” in Gunnison, Colorado, where she could often be found on the porch swing surrounded by loved ones. Patsy also enjoyed visiting with her brothers and sisters, attending the ABC family reunions, and listening to music.

Patsy is survived by her children and their spouses, Robert and Teresa Ochoa, Susann and Robert Comer, Ben and Margaret Ochoa; grandchildren and their spouses, Mark and Amy Ochoa, Patrice and Bob Clark, Mario and Michelle Garcia, Christine and Eric Armstrong, Nicole and Brian Silver, John Ochoa, Patrick Ochoa, Monica Ochoa; and great grandchildren, Megan and Luke, Katie, William, Keeley, Sage, Kaia, Charlie, and soon to arrive, Frankie. She is also survived by her siblings, Mary Silva, Rosie and Paul Valdez, Manuel and Angie Aguilera, Frances and James White, Frank and Darlene Aguilera; sisters-in-law, Jill Aguilera and Maryann Chavez; and brothers-in-law, Modesto Ochoa and Joe Ochoa.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ben; parents, Monico and Lucy; and siblings, Monico Jr. Aguilera, Pete and Mary Aguilera, Mike Aguilera, Flora Cruz, and Phil Aguilera.

If you would like to donate in Patsy’s honor, please donate to Compassus Hospice Care at https://compassuslivingfoundation.org/give/ or by calling 833-380-9583.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the Ochoa family.