George A Ortega

George Anastacio Ortega, 84, of Casa Grande, AZ, passed away on March 15,
2022. He was born to Alejandro and Florentina Tellez Ortega on July 21, 1937, in
Amalia, NM. He previously lived in Santa Fe, NM and retired to Arizona in 2003.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Cipriano Ortega, Oligario Ortega
and Fred Ortega; sister Alice Martinez, son Alex M. Ortega, daughters Sandra
Santiago and Monica Pena. Father and mother in law, Gilbert and Frances Maes.
He is survived by his loving wife, Coralee D. Ortega of Casa Grande, AZ; step-
sons Steven Kloeppel and wife Christine, twin grandsons Wyatt and Kyle of
Gilbert, AZ; and Chief Master Sergeant (Ret) Kevin Kloeppel and wife Alison,
granddaugher Kalina of Pike Road, AL; sisters Evangeline Leyba of Garcia, CO
and Lillian Torrez of Thornton, CO; sister in laws Barbara Maes, Geraldine Sena
and husband Jim, and brother in law, Gil Maes, Jr, all of Santa Fe, NM; cousin
Loney Cordova and wife Beverly of Pueblo West, CO; many cousins, nieces and
nephews and many great friends.
George graduated from Costilla High School, earned many academic awards and
starred in basketball. He graduated from the College of Santa Fe with a Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Business Administration. His state of New Mexico career began
with Department of Motor Vehicles, Director of Title & Registration. He
culminated his career as Chief Internal Auditor with Department of Health and
Environment. His career was one of civil service serving in positions with state
and federal entities.
After retirement George was owner of Personal and Professional Development
Unlimited, an accounting and motivational business providing many seminars to
the businesses and tax clients for which he performed services. He was a self-
employed tax accountant and financial advisor. He was appointed to the New
Mexico Game and Fish Commission by then Governor Gary E. Johnson for three
terms.
George was a member of the Association of Government Accountants; the
National Society of Public Accountants, the National Association of Tax
Professionals and served as long-time member, Secretary and Treasurer and then
President of Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association, Costilla NM, the
Santa Fe Hispanic Council, and New Mexico State Employees Credit Union,
Supervisory Committee. He enjoyed summer ranching at his farm in Costilla, NM,
prior to retirement in Arizona
George was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, fisher, rancher/farmer, sports fanatic,
camper and golfer. He enjoyed watching western movies, reading at home, and an
occasional casino visit.
George loved to travel with his wife, Coralee. They visited nearly all fifty states,
with special trips to Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico, and enjoyed many cruises
with family and friends.
George was a truly kind, humble and extremely patient, hard working and helpful
man. Integrity defined him with a positive and inspiring attitude and willingness to
help others. He will be deeply missed by family, friends and tax clients. Services
to be determined by family at a later date. Service times in New Mexico will be reposted
on our website then the family agrees on a time and date. We give our deepest
condolences to the friends and family of Mr. George Ortega. If more info is needed
please call at 520-836-8041, we appreciate the opportunity to serve you.