Estefanita Maria (Mary) Montoya

Mary E. Montoya, fondly nicknamed, ‘Tita’ was born on May 18, 1928, in Mora, New Mexico, to Jose Rubel Mora and Rosita G. Olguin. The youngest of five spirited sisters, Mary’s early years were filled with love, laughter, and the strength of family. When she was a young girl, her family moved to Wyoming, where they eventually made their home in Rawlins—a community that would remain close to her heart for the rest of her life.

Mary married the love of her life, Steven Fred Montoya Sr., and together they built a beautiful life filled with devotion, laughter, and 44 years of marriage. She was the proud mother of four children, and somehow managed to keep them all looking sharp—thanks to her unmatched skill with an iron and her passion for neatness and care. Her home was always full of warmth, the smell of her famous tamales, and the sound of Spanish music drifting through the air.

A woman of many talents, Mary worked for many years at City Steam Laundry as a presser and finisher, where her eye for detail and precision made her work stand out. She was also an exceptional seamstress, known for her impeccable craftsmanship and perfection in every stitch. Whether it was pressing a shirt, hemming pants, or tending to her petunias in the yard, Mary poured her heart into everything she did.

She loved reading The Daily Times late into the night with a bowl of cereal by her side. But nothing brought her greater joy than her family. She was always deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—showering each of them with love.

Mary is survived by her children Steve (Marie) Montoya Jr., Kathy (late Miguel) Sena, Lorraine (Max) Mackey, and Anthony (Anna) Montoya; her grandchildren Gina (GQ), Angela (Victor), Joseph (Leslie), Rojelio Gabriel, Carrieann (Jimmy), Kimberly (Sean), Valerie, Melinda, Mario, and Crystal; along with 23 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Steven F. Montoya Sr., her parents Jose and Rosa Mora, her sisters Ann (Anita) Mora Tenorio, Maria (Ida) Mora, Stella (Estella) Mora Martinez, and Domitila Mora, her special niece Ruby Molina, and her great-granddaughter Jasmine Montoya.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Polaris Rehabilitation and Care Center and Davis Hospice Center for the loving care Mary received during her time there. We are deeply grateful to ALL who shared their love, kindness, and time with Mary over the years. A special heartfelt thank you to her nephew, John Martinez, for his steadfast love and devotion.

Mary’s legacy lives on in the family she raised, the love she gave, and the beauty she brought to every life she touched. Her laughter, her kindness, and her tamales will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

A Rosary will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 603 House Ave, Cheyenne, WY. Funeral Mass will follow on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the same location.

Afterwards, please join us at The Forum, 619 S. Greeley Hwy, Cheyenne, WY, for good food and shared memories of Mary. Whether you bring a favorite dish or simply bring yourself, your presence will mean so much.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in Mary’s memory.