Peter Manuel Ortega, 85 a resident of Silver City, New Mexico entered eternal rest on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at his residence. He was born on April 29, 1940, first of two children to his parents, Paul Ortega and Bertha Morrell.
In 1959 on Whittier Blvd he met his lifelong love, Irma Carolina. They were married in 1960 and their love story lasted for 61 years. Pete and Carol would go on to have three children in California. In 1971 the family relocated to Silver City, New Mexico, where they added another child and lived out the rest of their lives together with their four children.
To all that knew him, he was known as Camps. He worked as a carpenter for the Silver City School District until retirement. Pete was an avid hunter, fisherman, and all-around outdoorsman, and camp extraordinaire. He enjoyed his afternoons watching a good country western movie or relaxing while reading a Louis L'Amour book. If there was a game on, Pete was always excited to cheer on one of his teams – the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Dodgers, or the Los Angeles Lakers.
In the evenings, Camps loved to have a beer and take a gamble in a good card game, his favorite being Low Ball. His door was always open to any family or friend in need and he loved any open ear that would listen to his always exciting tall tales. Pete loved God and would attend services whenever he was able to do so. His good humor and lively personality will be truly missed by all that knew him and no deer camp will ever be the same without him.
Peter is survived by his three sons Peter Ortega of Silver City, NM, Robbie Ortega (Bella Dao) of Whittier, CA, and Gabriel (Snuffy) and spouse Tiffany of Silver City, NM; his daughter Linda Penrod of Silver City, NM; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; his sister Colleen Sequeira of Peoria, AZ; and brother for life Ben Martinez of Deming, NM. He is preceded in death by his wife Carol Ortega; sister Linda Ortega; mother Bertha Morrell; father Paul Ortega; and son-in-law John Penrod.
Visitation will be Friday, December 19th from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the rosary being recited by Lupe Flores to commence at 6pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 20th at 9:30am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Concluding service and interment will take place at St. Vincent cemetery. Pallbearers are Robbie Ortega, Caleb Perez, Vincent Vega, Daniel Roldan, Joey Lopez, Joshua Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Jacob Polangco, Cory Hinojos, James Cadena, and Carlos Cadena.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trust care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com
