John Christopher Ortega of Las Vegas, NM passed away unexpectedly on Monday October 19, 2026 in Albuquerque, NM where he had lived for several years. He was born on March 23, 1973 in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Juan and Anabella Ortega. John was referred to as "John Christy" or simply as "Christy" by many of his family, and “John” by his friends; he was a loving, caring person who cherished his family and was always happy around them. His unforgettable smile and mischievous ways could be felt when he entered any room. He had a unique sense of humor, loved scary and suspenseful movies, reading, drawing, and working out.

He loved his metal music and the excitement of touring to gigs with his bands. He was an accomplished musician on bass guitar and drums, and he enjoyed playing his instruments with the numerous bands he was a member of over the years. He cherished that he was a part of his dad’s recorded songs and albums as a bassist and drummer. He also enjoyed performing live with his dad and sister Brenda Ortega on occasion. John Christy prayed the Rosary, the Divine Chaplet, and other prayers daily. He loved attending mass as much as he could especially on Sundays where, most recently, he engaged in prayer and song with his favorite choir at the 11:30am mass at the Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Albuquerque. His Catholic faith was strong and his belief in God and Jesus Christ is certainly guiding his soul into God's Kingdom of Heaven.

John Christy is preceded in death by his beloved brother Aaron Jay Ortega (1979-2009); paternal grandparents Placido Ortega (1914c-2008) and Emelina Medina Ortega (1920-1953), and maternal grandparents Jose Aranda (1903-1990) and Antonia Tafoya Aranda (1918-1977).

John Christy is survived by his parents Juan & Anabella Ortega; his children Desiree Ortega (Lorenzo Sanchez), Gavriella Ortega, and Christopher Ortega; his sisters Brenda Ortega (Lorenzo Jaramillo), Sandra Ortega (Jeff Brown), Renee Rubalcaba (Joe Rubalcaba); good friend whom he considered his brother Lawrence "Larz" Garduño; Goddaughter Daniela Montoya and Godsons Caleb Rubalcaba, Luke Garduño, and Pablo Aguilar, along with many nephews & nieces, great nephews & nieces, aunts & uncles, cousins, and many other loving family members & friends. He was especially looking forward to being a “pampo” to his first grandchild, Desiree’s and Lorenzo’s son, Zavien John Aaron Sanchez, expected in early December.

A Rosary, led by Carla O'Neill, will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Las Vegas, NM at 6:00 pm on Monday November 9, 2026. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Rob Yaksich at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 9:00 am; readings will be delivered by his sisters Renee Rubalcaba and Sandra Ortega; gift bearers will be Godchildren Daniela Montoya and Luke Garduño; Rosary & Funeral Mass music will be provided by Rudy Castellano; Juan Ortega and Brenda Ortega will deliver a special song in honor of John Christy. Following the Mass, a funeral procession will depart from the church to the San Antonio cemetery on North 8th Street Extension where John Christy will be laid to his eternal rest next to his beloved brother Aaron Jay Ortega. Serving as pallbearers are his son Christopher Ortega, nephews Christian and Caleb Rubalcaba, “Brothers” - cousin Jerome Garcia, best friend Lawrence "Larz" Garduño, and Diego Ortiz. Honorary pallbearers are nephew Martin Minner (in absentia), Godson Luke Garduño, Ignacio Martinez, Diego Rains, and all of his former and current bandmates. John Christy Ortega, you will be deeply missed, always remembered, and loved eternally.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary at 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 87701 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.