It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Cesaría Montoya, who departed this life peacefully at her home on September 24, 2025, at the age of 102. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Above all, she was known for her unwavering faith in God and her boundless love for her family.

Cesaría was born on February 24, 1923, in Chapelle, New Mexico, to José and Teresa Castellano. She was raised in a close-knit family by her beloved grandmother, Concepción "Chonita," from whom she inherited a lifelong love of natural healing and traditional cooking. Cesaría had a talent for making baked goods, goat cheese, and chokecherry jelly—just a few of the many skills she joyfully passed down through generations.

She attended what is now Highlands University for a couple of years and began her teaching career in the early 1940s, educating young students in Chapelle, San Isidro Norte, and Mineral Hill. Later, when her youngest child turned three, she began teaching nutrition to families in rural communities including Bernal, San José, San Juan, Ribera, and Villanueva. Cesaría also led the local 4-H Club, teaching boys and girls how to prepare healthy meals, and played a key role in establishing Senior Citizen Centers in both Bernal and San Juan.

On September 13, 1943, she married the love of her life, Eduardo Montoya. Together they raised seven children and built a legacy of love and faith. Her life was enriched by her growing family: 28 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren—with two more on the way. Her family was her greatest joy, and her gentle spirit, warm smile, and deep faith touched all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Eduardo Montoya; her daughter Isabel Montoya; her parents José and Teresa Castellano; her sister Maria Padilla; and her brothers Elvires, Ernest, and Ambrosio Castellano.

Cesaría is survived by her six sons: Edward Montoya of the Montoya Ranch; Anthony Montoya and wife Julia; Steven Montoya and wife Lupe; and Richard Montoya, all of Chapelle; Carlos Montoya and wife Leona of Las Vegas, NM; and Danny Montoya of the Montoya Ranch. She is also survived by her daughters: Annette Painter and husband Matthew of Edgewood, NM, and Rebecca Jane "Juana" Montoya and fiancé Victor Gallegos of Rio Rancho, NM. She leaves behind her sister Celina Lesperance, brother Melaquias Castellano, and two very special nieces, Priscilla Crespin and Connie Apodaca, along with many other beloved family members and friends.

Rosary devotional services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29th, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Funeral services will follow at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30th, with interment at the Montoya Ranch with the following serving as Pallbearers will be Eddie Montoya, Adam Montoya, Steve Montoya, Gabriel Montoya, Acy Lux, and Noah Lux. Honorary bearers will be all her remaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

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