With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, René Andrés Ortega, who passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 45.

Born on January 8, 1981, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, René spent most of his life in the community he loved and where he built countless friendships. To know René was to know laughter. He had an incredible gift for making people smile, bringing joy to every room he entered with his quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and larger-than-life personality. He was the life of every party and never missed an opportunity to lift the spirits of those around him.

René started his career in hospitality, a profession that perfectly reflected his outgoing nature and genuine love for people. Whether he was bartending, DJing an event, or simply connecting with others, he had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Later, he proudly followed in the footsteps of his beloved late grandfather, Andrés Sandoval, becoming a barber and carrying on a family tradition that meant so much to him. Most recently, René pursued an education in nutrition, embracing a new chapter filled with hope and purpose.

René is survived by a family who loved him beyond measure, including his mother, Alicia Sandoval-Reyes, and her husband, Carlos Reyes; his father, Horacio Ortega; his brother, Diego Ortega, and wife, Laura; his sister, Felicia Benson, and husband, Callum; his four adored nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. He also leaves behind countless lifelong friends who became family, a testament to the love and loyalty he shared so freely.

Above all, René treasured his family and the relationships he built throughout his life. Family was never limited to blood for René—if he loved you, you were family. He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories that will continue to bring comfort and smiles to those who loved him.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort in knowing that his laughter, love, and vibrant spirit will live on through the stories we share and the memories we hold dear. René's light will never be forgotten.

Serving as pallbearers will be his brother Diego Ortega; Cousin Dean Alexander, and his closest lifelong friends, Mike Najera, Victor Hernandez, Raul Hernandez, Gilbert Tarin, and David Butler. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be close lifelong friend Andrew Morales, and Cousin Matthew Sandoval.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026, at Getz Funeral Home beginning with a public viewing from 6pm – 7pm; followed by a Rosary commencing at 7pm. Funeral mass celebrating René's life will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church with interment at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens to follow.

The family asks you to honor René by sharing a laugh, extending kindness to someone in need, and embracing those you love—just as he always did.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.