MONTOYA, Mary

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ February 9, 2007 Mary Montoya, 86, died at her home in Holbrook Feb. 4, 2007. Mary was born to Juan and Francsica (Montes) Lopez Feb. 6, 1920 in Leon Guarnajuato, Mexico. Mary came to the United States when she was 2 years old. She lived in Winslow and Adamana, and Gallup, N.M. She met her future husband, Felix Montoya in Gallup N.M. They were married Sept. 28, 1940 in Gallup, N.M., and lived there for a couple of years. Felix worked for the Sante Fe Railroad and they lived in the outfit cars (home on railroad wheels) and in towns that no longer exist in Arizona and New Mexico. They moved a lot from Dallas, New Mexico to Barstow, Calif., settling in Holbrook in 1952. Mary was a homemaker and enjoyed traveling and cooking for her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Felix (Christine) Montoya Jr., Johnny Montoya all of Holbrook, Eleanor (Martin) Chavez of Grants, N.M., Bernie (Jill) Montoya of Joseph City, Albert Montoya Sr., of Florence Esther Bazan of Holbrook, Chris (Michael) Petzold of Phoenix, Ernest (Gloria) of Holbrook, Albert Montoya Jr., of Holbrook and Manuel Montoya of Peoria; 37 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Felix Sr.; one daughter, Esther; and two grandsons, Rico Bazan and Sammy Montoya; and one great-grandson, Damien Montoya. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Holbrook. Viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday evening with Rosary at 7 p.m. Interment will be in the Holbrook Cemetery For those who have special memories of Mary and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit website at www.owensmortuary.com. Owens Mortuary of Holbrook handled the arrangements.