Olivia L Ogas

Olivia L. Ogas

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Olivia L. Ogas on May 26, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Olivia was a beloved educator, mentor, community leader, and friend.

Olivia was born in Denver, Colorado, and was raised in Alamogordo, New Mexico, by her parents, Juanita and Felix Gomez, alongside her brother, Horace. She graduated with honors from Alamogordo High School in 1960. She was an outstanding student and leader; she participated in accelerated academic programs, served as a cheerleader and majorette, and was active in student government.

Olivia attended Western New Mexico University on an academic scholarship and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1964. During her college years, she was a member of the Women's Athletic Association, Student Education Association, Cardinal Key, and served as a cheerleader. She was also honored as the Queen of the 1961 Track Relay. She later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and Administrative Certification from New Mexico State University.

For more than 35 years, Olivia devoted her professional life to education. She began her career teaching physical education in Hondo, New Mexico, and later served as a teacher at Court Junior High School and Las Cruces High School. Her passion for students and commitment to excellence led her into administration, where she served as Assistant Principal and Principal of Vista Middle School in Las Cruces. Under her leadership, Vista Middle School earned recognition as an Honor School by the State of New Mexico due to significant academic improvements and increased student achievement.

Following her retirement from public schools, Olivia continued to shape future generations of educators as an instructor and student teacher supervisor at New Mexico State University. She taught Educational Management courses, supervised student teachers, and shared her wealth of experience with aspiring educators. Her expertise and leadership were so highly respected that she was called upon to serve as Interim Principal of Picacho Middle School and later as Principal of Camino Real Middle School when those schools required experienced leadership.

Olivia's contributions to education has been recognized with numerous honors. Those honors include the AAUW Outstanding Educator Award, the Distinguished Alumni Award from New Mexico State University's College of Education, induction into the New Mexico State University Educational Hall of Fame, induction into the Western New Mexico University Alumni Hall of Fame, and induction into the Western New Mexico University Educational Hall of Fame.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Olivia was deeply committed to serving her community. She was a board member of the Health Care Foundation of Southern New Mexico, a volunteer and advocate for children through CASA, a member of the Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary, a member of the Supervising Council of the J. Paul Taylor Charter School, and served on the planning committee for the designation of San Albino Basilica as a basilica. She was also active in the WNMU Alumni Association and the Rodrunners Car Club Scholarship Committee.

Olivia will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to students, her belief in the power of education, her generous spirit, and her commitment to helping others succeed. Through her guidance, encouragement, and leadership, thousands of students, teachers, and community members found opportunities to grow and thrive. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she influenced and the communities she helped strengthen.

Rest in peace Olivia your legacy of service, excellence, compassion, and leadership will continue to inspire generations to come. A great educator influences not only the minds of students but the future of a community Olivia exemplified that truth every day of her life. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Olivia’s life will always be celebrated by her daughters and son in law Loreena Ogas, Eileen & Aaron Ocampo. Her grandchildren who brought her so much joy Lauren and Jonah Ocampo. Numerous nieces, nephews, and friends she called family. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Ogas, her parents Juanita and Felix Gomez and her brother Horace Gomez.

The family would like to thank the staff from Always Best Care especially her caregivers Harvey, Jeannette and Lauren. They have shown her so much grace, compassion and love these last years. We will be forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Dress the Child of Las Cruces Program (LCRGRF Dress the Child, P.O. Box 550, Las Cruces, NM 88004) in Olivia’s memory.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:00 am on June 15, 2026 at Getz Funeral Home with a burial immediately after at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.