Clara Montoya

Clara O. Montoya, 91, a longtime resident of Velarde, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2017 following a lengthy illness surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Montoya; son, George Montoya Jr.; parents, Damian and Senaida Lujan; sisters, Ermalinda Gasca, Bernie Sanchez and Isabel Cordova; brother, Damian Lujan Jr.; mother and father-in-law, Eleazar and Manuelita Montoya. Clara was a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Altar society, choir member, Cursillos with Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Velarde. Mrs. Montoya is survived by her children, Manny Montoya and wife Maxine of Santa Fe, Michael Montoya and wife Connie of Alcalde, Eli Montoya and wife Debbie of Albuquerque, Sadie Martinez of Española, Cathy Mares and husband Sam of Las Cruces; daughter-in-law, Eileen Montoya of Albuquerque; 3 sisters, Lupe Martinez of Elko, Nevada, Ramona Salazar of Española and Carmen Martsh and husband John of Albuquerque; 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren plus numerous other relatives and friends. Public visitation will begin on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Velarde, with a burial to follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Cemetery. Serving the family as pallbearers are John Bermel, Carlos Montoya, Mario Montoya, Danny Montoya, Bobby Mares and Phillip Martinez. Honorary pallbearers will be the rest of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and God-children. The family of Clara O. Montoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com

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