Sophie Montoya

Sophie Montoya of Roswell, NM went home to be with our Lord on Sunday, November 20, 2012 at 5:50 a.m. prepared and at peace. Sophie was born on March 30, 1914 in Mazapil, Zacatecas, Mexico to Mariano Flores, Sr. and Ventura Ramirez. The eldest daughter of thirteen children, Sophie came to Roswell when she was five years old and began attending school at East Grand Plains. She loved Roswell and made it her lifelong home. On February 28, 1940, Sophie married John Pacheco Montoya of Tinnie, NM and the couple remained wed for 26 years. During their marriage, Sophie and John adopted two children, Loretta Ann Montoya and Johnnie Flores Montoya whom they loved with all their hearts. In 1964, Sophie went to work for the Frank O. Elliott family as a nannyhousekeeper. She remained with the Elliotts for 25 years and came to love them as much as they loved her. Sophie was still working at age 85 catering parties as the word of her delicious meals and baked goods spread throughout our town.
Sophie is survived by her children, Loretta Montoya and her life partner John Ray of Roswell, Johnnie Montoya and his life partner Howard Brendle of Virginia Beach, VA one grandchild, David M. Smith and one greatgrandchild Alexander G. Smith, both of Santa Rosa, CA. Sophie is also survived by three sisters, Lala and Olmedo Ledezma, Velia and Nick Aguilar, and Vickie Sanchez. Sophie is also survived by two brothers, David and Silvia Flores, and Roy Flores, all of Roswell. She was preceded in death by her brotherinlaw, Eliver Sanchez and her sisterinlaw, Tonita Flores.
Sophie was also preceded in death by her parents, Mariano and Ventura Flores, grandparents, Pedro and Delfina Flores, and Julio and Victoriana Ramirez four brothers, Andres Flores, Sr. and his late wife Angelina of Orange, CA Mariano Flores, Jr. and his late wife Mabel Julio Flores and his late wife, Velia, all of Roswell and Joe Florez and his wife, Marcella. Marcella survives Joe in their Albuquerque home and was one of Sophies best friends as well as her sisterinlaw. There were three sisters who preceded Sophie in death, Delfina Flores, Lupe Franco and her late husband Manuel of Roswell, and Mary Pineda and her late husband Jim of El Paso, Texas.
Sophie is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Pallbearers will be four of her nephews and two of her nephews by marriage, Ralph Flores, Mariano Florez, Raymond Franco, Nick Aguilar, Jr., Felix Padilla and Mike Puckett. Honorary pallbearers are John Ray, Howard Brendle, Charlie Franco, and Joseph Flores.
Sophies family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Vista Care Hospice, most especially, Dr. Stiller M.D., Diane and Teresa R.N.s, April Social Worker, Garth Pastor, June Volunteer, Chris and Andre Equipment Techs, and the CNAs who worked so diligently and patiently helping Sophie stay comfortable and in high spirits. Many thanks also go out to the staff from Comfort Keepers, especially Susan, Sophies primary caretaker, and the homemakers from El Mirador, in particular, Lucy, who took such special care with Sophies wardrobe. Anyone who knew Sophie knew what a stylish dresser she was and the great pride she took in wearing beautifully tailored clothing, and looking her very best at all times.
Sophie had a variety of interests, cooking, baking, playing cards, outings with friends and family, politics, old movies, reading, crocheting, knitting, shopping, potting flowers, singing out of tune with her siblings, meeting friends for the occasional cocktail, dancing, watching her favorite soap opera of 50 years, walking, and sometimes even a gossip magazine or two. She said her secret to a long life was staying active and eating plenty of vegetables. She had a grace and energy that all who knew her admired. She also had strong opinions on most issues and was never one to keep them buttoned up. That is one of the things we will remember most about her. We have lost a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, greataunt, friend, confidant, neighbor, and human being who set her angel wings on earth for almost 100 years. She impacted so many lives and will be sorely missed for decades to come.
A rosary is scheduled for 7:00 pm, Sunday, November 25, 2012 at Ballard Chapel. Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 am, Monday, November 26, 2012 at St. Johns Catholic Church with Father Brian Guerrini, SSP.CC. officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. There will be a gathering of family and friends at the recently completed St. Johns Hall after the funeral.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. The family sends sincere appreciation to all the staff at Ballard for providing them the solace necessary to get through Sophies loss as painlessly as possible. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, November 24, 2012
12:00 to 7:00 pm

Service

Rosary

Ballard Funeral Chapel
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Sunday, November 25, 2012
7:00 pm

Funeral Mass

St. Johns Catholic Church
506 S. Lincoln
Roswell, NM  88203
Monday, November 26, 2012
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203