Sonia Ann Ortega

Sonia Ann Ortega lived a God First life and went to be with her Lord and Savior unexpectedly, Friday, November 24, 2017 at the age of 55. Sonia was traveling, on her way to do what she loved, spending time with her family. Sonia was born January 13, 1962 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Ralph Ortega and Suzanne Beattie. She was the oldest sister to her six siblings.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her father, Ralph Ortega; her mother, Suzanne Beattie; her son, Joshua Ortega; her siblings, Vincent Ortega, Christopher Ortega, Michele Serna, Jennifer Ortega Johnson, Elizabeth Prentiss and Simon Beattie; her grandchildren Eli and Eva Ortega; 12 nephews and nieces, along with numerous other cousins, aunts and uncles, and countless friends whom were blessed to know her.

Sonia spent her childhood being a devoted “big sister” and helping care for four of her younger siblings. She spent holidays and special occasions with her large, extended family of grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. One of her favorite places to be as a child was at her Grandma and Grandpa Ortega’s cabin in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Sonia was a 1980 graduate of Bloomfield High School. After graduating high school, Sonia moved back to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her Aunt Barbara and Uncle Jesse have very fond memories of their niece working in their family restaurant, Panchos. In 1982 Sonia gave birth to her only child, her absolute pride and joy, Joshua Rosalio Ortega. Shortly after, Sonia met Storm Jones in 1984, and together they raised their son in northern New Mexico. In 1992 Sonia moved to Las Vegas, Nevada with Joshua, along with her best friend Rhonda, and Rhonda’s son, Jeremy. After 11 years together, Sonia and Storm continued to share a very special friendship watching their son start a family of his own, sharing pride in his success and accomplishment of becoming a Nevada Highway Patrol State Trooper. Sonia spent the next 25 years as a bartender manager, lighting up Las Vegas with her radiant smile and unmistakable Ortega laugh. She cherished her coworkers and truly considered them to be family, she was often making new friendships, and always bringing joy, advice, and support to her “regulars” whom she truly considered to be her friends.

Sonia’s hobbies and loves included riding her Victory Freedom V-Twin motorcycle, shopping, gardening, and cheering on her Denver Broncos. She lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; raising her son, watching her grandchildren grow, spending time with her family, and adoring her chihuahuas, Coco, Yoda, and Coda.

Sonia was New Mexico proud, but Las Vegas adopted her as their own. Visitation will be Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 4:00-8:00pm at Palm Northwest Mortuary, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131. Funeral Services will be held Monday December 11, 2017 at 2:00 PM with a Reception to immediately follow also at Palm Northwest Mortuary.