Jesucita Theresa Salazar Zoller, lovingly known as Jess, was born on April 17, 1981, in Farmington, New Mexico, and passed away on January 28, 2026, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She made her home in Española, New Mexico, more specifically in La Mesilla, where she built a life filled with love, connection, and resilience.

Jess was preceded and surrounded in life by a strong and loving family. She was the cherished granddaughter of Jose Salazar and Orlinda Salazar, and the beloved daughter of Josie Montano and Emilio Lavato. She was a devoted sister to Susan Salazar, Frankie Montano, Losha Montano, Dena Montano, and Sebina Lovato.

Above all else, Jess was a proud and loving mother to her three children: Jacob Zoller, Jonothan Zoller, and Jennifer Zoller. Her children were her greatest joy and accomplishment, and she took immense pride in the people they were becoming.

Jess had a vibrant spirit and a love for life. She enjoyed dancing, singing, taking long drives, meeting new people, and socializing with friends and family. She was known for her warmth behind the bar as a bartender, where her personality shined and her ability to connect with others came naturally. Jess believed deeply in the goodness of people and carried that belief into every relationship she formed.

She was proud of her hard work, her personal accomplishments, and the life she built through perseverance and heart. Her laughter, energy, and compassion will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services honoring Jesucita’s life will be held at DeVargas Funeral Home in Española, New Mexico, on February 10th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Anyone who knew and loved Jess is welcome to attend and celebrate her life.

Jess’s memory will live on through her children, her family, and the many lives she touched with her kindness, strength, and belief in others.

The family of Jesucita "Jess" Theresa Salazar Zoller has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.