Orlinda R. Montoya

April 18, 1934 - December 26, 2023

Orlinda R. Montoya of Fort Garland, Colorado peacefully passed from this world on December 26, 2023, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by loved ones. Orlinda, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, dedicated her life to her family, her faith, and expressed her profound love for God.

Orlinda's tender and compassionate spirit profoundly touched the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by her children Joey (Marian) Montoya, Dave (Lupita) Montoya, Cathy Chairez, all of Fort Garland, Carolyn Montoya, Robert (Donna) Montoya, and Terry (Rebekah) Montoya, all of Denver; 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, one great great grandchild, sisters Olivia Martinez of Fort Garland, JoAnn Najera of Pueblo, and Wilma (Michael) Vialpando of Denver; her in-laws Jim Romero, Gloria Maes, Priscilla (Pat) Bradley, Donald Montoya, Jim White, Inez (Raul) Gonzalez, Anthony (Barbara) Montoya, Gloria Montoya, and Beverly Montoya, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends. Orlinda was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe Montoya, parents Trinidad and Esperanza, grandchildren Marivel and Manuel Chairez, and sisters Della Martinez, Casilda DeHerrera, and Marie Romero.

Orlinda was born and raised in San Francisco (El Rito), Colorado. She married the love of her life, Joe I. Montoya, on November 7, 1955, in San Luis, Colorado and together they built their family home one adobe at a time. They had six beautiful children and enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Orlinda valued God, the Catholic church, and family. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Society for the Holy Family Mission Catholic Church. Orlinda was a great Mother, who encouraged her children to love and respect each other, to grow to the best of their abilities, and in helping those in need. As a grandmother, and great grandmother, she instilled the values of love and kindness. Orlinda saw the good in people and loved to make others laugh and feel good about themselves. She enjoyed reading, gathering, and roasting pinon (one of her favorite outings), gardening, and sharing stories about her dad, mom, sisters, and childhood. Orlinda will be greatly missed, as she was an individual who lit up the room with her presence and light.

Services will be held January 2, 2024, with Visitation at 10:30 a.m., a Vigil and Rosary at 11:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 12 p.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Mission Church in Fort Garland. Interment will follow at the Fort Garland Cemetery.

Orlinda will forever be remembered for her faith, kindness, and love of her family. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in eternal peace. Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, tributes and remembrances for Orlinda's family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com