Obituary: Lien, Sally Ortega
Age 92
Maria Celina Velarde (Sally) was born in Cieneguitas, NM to Agustin and Anastasia (Montoya) Velarde, on December 27, 1922.
Sally spent her early years growing up in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque areas of New Mexico.
Sally moved to Los Angeles, CA and would often speak about how exciting it was to live there as a young woman.
Sally married Ruperto J. Ortega in 1947 and they eventually resided in Spokane, WA.
They were married for 40 years before his passing.
Sally remarried to Robert (Bob) B. Lien in July of 1998 and had 12 more years of married life before his passing in February 2010.
Sally then moved to Boise, ID to be with her family.
Mom enjoyed gardening and had the most beautiful flower gardens.
Her roses were her pride and joy.
“Digging in the dirt is good for the soul” she would say.
Mom also knitted, crocheted and quilted all her life.
It was a pastime she dearly loved and was so talented.
The quilts she made with her 2nd husband Bob were remarkable.
Dancing was a passion and she enjoyed parties and dances well into her later years.
Mom was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Spokane, WA.
She also enjoyed the Sunday services provided by Holy Apostles Catholic Church (Meridian, ID) while residing at Morning Star (Bonaventure) Senior Living in Boise, ID.
Mom’s Catholic faith was always a very important part of her life.
Sally was always thoughtful, caring and protective.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Family was everything to her.
Sally is survived by her son Bob Ortega (Barb); grandchildren, Mandi Pierce (Jim) Aaron Ortega (Anne) and great-grandchildren Wesley, William and Averie Pierce.
A private memorial service was held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church.
Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.bowmanfuneral.com.
The family wishes to thank all of Sally’s friends in Spokane, WA, she had so many, and they were all very dear to her.
Sally enjoyed her last years at Morning Star Senior Living in Boise where she lived independently.
The new friends she made and the staff were absolutely wonderful to her.
A heartfelt note of gratitude to Father John at Holy Apostles Catholic Church for being there when we all needed him.
The comfort you provided Mom, just before her passing, will never be forgotten.
A Mother’s love is given freely and never forgotten.