Rosemarie (Leigh) Ortiz

In Loving Memory of Rosemarie (Leigh) Ortiz 

April 17, 1941 – January 17, 2025 Rosemarie passed away peacefully at home on January 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

A compassionate and selfless individual, Rosemarie always found time to help others. Her home was a place of warmth and hospitality, where the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals welcomed everyone. Alongside her husband, Ralph, their table was open to all, and her sharp wit and zest for life brought joy to all who knew her. Rosemarie dedicated much of her life to education, with her favorite roles at St. Michael’s High School and St. Catherine’s Indian School. In retirement, she worked alongside Ralph at their store, Desert Tees, enjoying her work in bookkeeping and customer service.

A proud graduate of Loretto Academy in 1959, Rosemarie also devoted 12 years to teaching Catechism at St. John’s Catholic Church. Her commitment to service extended to volunteering with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Rape Crisis Center. Rosemarie found great joy in spending time at the Elks Lodge, where she often enjoyed a “Ledge drink” before heading to their beloved lake house in Abiquiu. Her home was always open to friends, family, and anyone in search of good company and delicious barbecue.

Born on April 17, 1941, to William and Katherine Schmitt, Rosemarie was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Angela Rose Granito, and her aunts, Mary and Antoinette Granito. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, George Segura; her infant daughter, Shelby; her brother, Bill Schmitt; and her brothers-in-law, Bob Rutledge, Andrew Ortiz, and Billy Flores. She was also predeceased by her in-laws, Placido and Charlotte Ortiz, as well as many members of the Schmitt, Granito, Benedictus, and Devoti families.

Rosemarie is survived by her devoted husband, Ralph Ortiz; her sister, Melba Rutledge; her brothers, Frank Schmitt and Dave Schmitt (Arlene); her children, Kenneth Segura (Kathleen), Chad Ortiz, Desiree Ortiz, Mario Ortiz (Kristen), and Anna DeAguero (Davy); cousins Mike Granito and Mario Granito; and in-laws Anita McGinnis (Gary), Angela Ortiz-Flores (Matthew) and Michael Ortiz (Gloria). She is also deeply loved by her grandchildren: Emily, Marcus, Maya, Aaron, Ivy, Alanna, Knox, Sophia, and Isaiah, along with many nieces, nephews, friends, and cousins who cherished her. Rosemarie’s warmth, kindness, and generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched, and her legacy of love and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of those who remember her.

Services will be held at Santa Maria de la Paz.

Rosary - Wednesday, Jan 29, 6:00 PM

Funeral Mass - Thursday, Jan 30, 10:00 AM 

Burial immediately following funeral at Rosario Cemetery.