Esmeralda Montoya

Esmeralda Montoya (best known as Essie), 79, went home to be with the Lord on July 7, 2023. Her family is deeply saddened by her sudden death, but finds comfort knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, Joseph (Casey) Montoya. Casey and Essie married on July 2, 1978 and celebrated 45 years of marriage this year.

Essie is survived by her sons Robert Johnson Montoya & Jonathan Montoya, daughters Juanita Miller (Jeff Miller) & Jessica Montoya-Valerio (Richard Valerio).  Her grandchildren: Joseph Romero, Ashley Valerio, Annalise Valerio, Neveah Johnson, Lyla Martinez. 

Essie is preceded in death by her husband Casey Montoya, son Joseph Johnson, mother Amada Abeyta, father Henrique Abeyta, sister Mary Koon and brothers Adonio and Joe Abeyta. 

Essie was born and raised in Chamisal, NM. She was truly a woman of God and spent several hours a day reading her bible and praising Our Lord. 

Essie was an accomplished mother who raised four children. She was a fun and fiery soul and a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile was so infectious it lit up an entire room. She cared deeply for not only people, but also her pets (Diamond, Baby Girl, Fluffy, Sugar, all her grand dogs and Lambie (who is an actual lamb). She was such a kind and passionate person, always there when needed. She made an impact on so many lives and will be forever missed by many. Until we meet again, mom.

A funeral service will take place on Monday July 17, 2023, at 10:00 am in the Sangre De Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory.

The family of Esmeralda Montoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477