- Date Of Birth: July 21, 1934
- Date Of Death: September 23, 2013
- State: Colorado
Juanita Eulia Tafoya passed away September 23, 2013 after a brief illness. Juanita was born July 21st, 1934 to the union of Louis Ortega Sr. and Terecina Casias; who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death are siblings, Max, George, and Charles Ortega; sisters-in-law, Adelita and Viola Ortega; and son-in-law, Gene Wadleigh. Juanita is survived by her husband, Esequiel Tafoya; children, Mary Jane Wadleigh, LueAnn Doebber, Larry Lovato, Selina Cecil, Jim Lovato, and Dave (Heather) Lovato; grandchildren, Eugene Lovato, Juanita (Gary) Schmunk, Bear Wadleigh, Brian Rowe, Michael (Tina) Rowe, Kari (Chris) Martin, Ashley Cecil, Chase Cecil, Kevin (Amber) Lovato, and Tara (Josh) Dover; and great grandchildren, Joey Schmunk, Ben Schmunk, Gaby Schmunk, Abby Rowe, Michael Rowe Jr., Danny Rowe, Jacee Cecil, and Brody Cecil. Also surviving Juanita is her brothers, Louis Ortega Jr., Isadore (Mary Ann) Ortega, Phillip Ortega, Leroy (Mary) Ortega Sr., and Johnny (Carol) Ortega; sister, Vickie (Don) Garcia; sister-in-law, Lupe Ortega; and numerous nieces and nephews. Juanita embraced life with a good work ethic and worked at Merlino’s Belvedere for 35 years. She was an incredible baker and cook. Juanita made everything from scratch (no measuring tools needed), with specialties like bread, cinnamon rolls, tortillas, pastries, pies, pasta, sauces, chili’s, and soups. She always welcomed her family, friends, and even acquaintances over to her home for a good home cooked meal. She crocheted and embroidered crafts, made quilts and gave many as gifts to her grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. Juanita raised the level of a Grandmother to the highest. She spoiled her grandkids and had the knack of making them feel better when they were sent home from school sick, with a hot bowl of chili or homemade soup, a good story, and sometimes even a good foot rub. Juanita spent her later years in retirement with her beloved husband of 42 years, Zeke.
