Bertina J. Lovato

Bertina J. Lovato, 93, of Delta, Colorado, passed away peacefully at her home on March 10, 2026, surrounded by her children.

Born on December 4, 1932, in Conejos County, Colorado, Bertina grew up with strong family values that shaped her into a loving and faithful woman. In 1951 she married Filimon “Phil” Lovato, and together they built a life centered on their faith in Jesus Christ. As a devoted wife, mother, and Nana, her greatest joy was her family. She worked alongside her husband on the farm while raising their children and later contributed to the war effort by assembling instrument panels on B-29s at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

Bertina’s hands were rarely idle. She found deep satisfaction in gardening, sewing, crocheting, quilting, fishing, and camping. Family members were often wrapped in the beautiful quilts and afghans she created with care. She was also a gifted cook, well known for her warm tortillas and savory green chili.

A faithful member of El Buen Pastor Church, Spanish Assembly of God for more than 75 years, Bertina taught Sunday School and served in various ministries. Her unwavering faith remained a quiet strength and inspiration to all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters, Rosemary Sluder (Rev. Carlos Sluder) and Ruth Thompson of Delta, Colorado; her son, Robert Lovato (Angela) of Grand Junction, Colorado; and her son-in-law, Gary Smithey of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She is also survived by seven beloved grandchildren—Ancelin Perez, Andrew Lovato, Alicia Carrasco, Julie Gomez, Ashley Varner, Frank Smithey, and Ben Thompson—seventeen cherished great-grandchildren, a sister, Mary Alvarado, and a brother, Morris Jiron.

Bertina was preceded in death by her husband, Phil Lovato; her daughter, Jean Smithey; her son-in-law, Mark Thompson; her parents, Mauricio and Julia Jiron; four brothers, Armando, David, Levi, and Raymond; and two sisters, Jenny Archuleta and Flora Edwards.

She will be remembered for her steadfast faith, quiet strength, tireless work ethic, and the loving legacy she leaves in the lives of her family.