Loretta Montoya

Graveside service for Loretta Ann Montoya of Roswell, will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at South Park Cemetery, Loretta went home to be with our Lord on Monday, August 8, 2016.

Loretta was born on October 21, 1951 in Roswell and adopted by Sophie and John Montoya, an event for which Loretta was eternally grateful. Loretta felt much loved by both her parents and will be overjoyed to meet with them again in Heaven. Loretta was the eldest of Sophie's and John's two children. Her younger brother, Johnnie Flores Montoya, survives her in Virginia Beach, VA.

Loretta was raised in Roswell graduating in 1969 from Goddard High School. She left Roswell in 1971 with her husband, David M. Smith, upon his return from Viet Nam. Mr. Smith is the father of Loretta's only child, David M. Smith, who are both residents of California. David Sr. was also a Roswell native and remained a dear friend of Loretta's throughout her lifetime. Loretta married John H. Ray in Tinnie, NM upon graduation from college in 1994 and the couple remained close companions after their divorce. John cared for Loretta during her bouts of illness beginning in 2009. Loretta obtained a graduate degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales and put it to good use counseling at-risk children and families. She retired from Sacramento County Children's Case Management in 2009 due to escalating health issues. Loretta loved her job and the people she worked with. It was a defining period of her life and an area which brought her exceptional joy. The friends she made there went with her throughout her days and she held them forever close to her memory and heart.

Loretta is survived by her cherished son and grandchildren, David Michael Smith, Alexander Gray Smith and Ava Loren Beltrano-Smith, all of Santa Rosa, CA; her dear friend and companion, John H. Ray of Roswell; her beloved brother, Johnnie F. Montoya and his wonderful life partner, Howard Brendle, of Virginia Beach, VA; and her precious little sidekick, Persephone (Persi). She is also survived by her maternal aunts and uncles,
Lala and (Olmedo) Ledezma, Velia and (Nick) Aguilar, Vickie Sanchez, and Roy Flores, all of Roswell, and Marcella Florez of Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents and numerous maternal and paternal aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Loretta had quiet interests, reading, walking Persi, watching her favorite soap opera for the past 45 years, decorating, baking, staying connected with friends and family via the Internet, old movies, potting flowers, and sitting on the porch and watching birds with a cup of coffee or tea. Loretta was a solitary sort, and some may have even called her a loner, but she had a deep love for her family and friends which she expressed often in writings and words. She also had a spirituality that she held close and constant. She sought out peace and serenity and did not have strongly verbalized opinions, preferring to think and balance issues like the proverbial Libra she was. We have lost a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, friend, confidant, and human being who will be missed for decades to come.
Per Loretta's wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes interred at South Park Cemetery at the foot of her mother's grave. In lieu of a funeral service, Loretta requested that those who wish to remember her send something of special meaning between the sender and Loretta, such as a written or taped letter, card, photo, song, or poem to Ballard Funeral Chapel and Crematory. These items will be placed in a box and interred with her ashes at a future date set by her family. All arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard's and Loretta's family sends sincere appreciation to the staff for providing them the solace necessary to get through her passing as painlessly as possible.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com.

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