Denise Ortega

Denise Ortega (Dominguez) April 28, 1961 – September 4, 2020 Denise Ortega, 59, lost her battle with diabetes on September 4, 2020 with her son, Ozzy Ortega, and husband, William David Ortega, by her side. She was born April 28, 1961 in Fort Collins, CO, the last child of eight, and daughter born to Ben and Della (Vasquez) Dominguez. She grew up and lived most of her life in Windsor, CO and graduated from Windsor High School in 1979. She and Willie were married on March 27, 1992, the same year that Señor Jalapeño was established by her older sister and second “mom”, Yoly Dominquez, who preceded her in death in 1998. Denise then took over as sole proprietor and owned and operated the restaurant until her death. Her customers, employees and vendors became her extended family and she loved nothing more than sharing her cooking and her jokes with those who came in the restaurant. Through food, Denise touched hundreds of lives in her lifetime. She believed that food helped ones’ soul whether in celebration or mourning and never turned down a request to contribute to the occasion. Denise’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that while serious and stern, she had a heart of gold that far exceeded the quantity of time she was with us. She brought laughter, smiles and food to everyone she touched. Her courage, strength and bravery were due to her strong belief in God and his word; and her faith and love of Jesus and her family carried her through in the end. She never wallowed in self- pity and hid her pain and suffering from her loved ones. She loved Elvis Presley and lots of different kinds of music and liked to go to dances where she clapped to her favorite tunes. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Cancun, Mexico, but really liked going anywhere where she could get into a warm swimming pool. Denise is survived by her loving husband, William David Ortega and son, Ozzy Ortega & (Melany Schink) and unborn granddaughter; sisters, Rosie Garcia and Linda Gonzalez; brothers, Moses & (Samoni) Dominguez and Danny Dominguez and numerous nieces and nephews who she loved and touched deeply. She was proceeded in death by her mother and father, Ben and Della Dominquez, brothers David and Benjie Dominquez, sister Yolanda Dominquez, and daughter Angel Dominguez. A service will be held on September 21, 2020 at The Timberline Church in Windsor, 360 Crossroads Blvd, at 11:00 a.m. There is a restriction on the number able to attend so family asks that you please contact Kristie Melendez at 970-686-5805 to ensure your seating. There will be a celebration of life from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Windsor American Legion, 624 Ash Street, please stagger visits during this time to accommodate all those that wish to extend their condolences to the family. Both locations will be following COVID precautions and face masks are required. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in care of Señor Jalapeño and sent to 1039 Main Street, Windsor, CO 80550. Denise's service may be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/460191131