Jean Montoya passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024. She was 86.

Jean was born February 8, 1938, in Missouri Center, CO to Susano and Mary Silva. She was the eldest of fifteen children. The Silva family would eventually settle in Ignacio, CO and Jean was always proud to say she was from Ignacio. She graduated in 1956 and a few days later she married the love of her life, George Montoya. Together the newlyweds would start their family and lives in Durango. While raising six children, Jean attended nursing school. She worked at Eventide Nursing Home and Mercy Hospital for several years. After working in various local restaurants, George and Jean would own and operate Yuma's restaurant and a concession stand. Anyone who tried her food was always satisfied, because she used the best ingredient, love.

Jean was an Elks Club Emblem Club member, and her dinners were always a hit. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church and served on various parish committees. She could also be found at the weekly bingo. Casinos, bingo, card or board games, and crossword puzzles were some of her favorite things to do. Whether it be cooking for family, art and crafts for bazaars, or working in her flower beds and garden; she loved to be busy. She loved sports, especially her Denver Broncos. She especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren play live sports.

Her family was her biggest joy in life. Six children blessed her with fifteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Marlene Anderson (Mike), Roberta Montoya-Atencio, Garry Montoya, Karen Gomez (Bob), and Sherri Gurule (Gene), Brothers Joe, Gerardo, Arthur, and Tom, Sisters Phyllis, Barbara, Veronica, Diane, Cathy, and Marilyn, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents: Susano and Mary, her husband of 42 years, George, daughter, Georgianne, brothers, Don and Ramous, Sisters, Aurora and Margaret.

A rosary will be recited on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by the Mass at 10:00 a.m. For streaming visit hoodmortuary.com.

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Mercy and Junction Creek Rehabilitation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Apr. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Montoya

Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.

9 Entries

Brenda Alcon

May 1, 2024

My deepest condolences to my friends and family. I grew up knowing Jean and I am sure going to miss seeing her smile at the Casino she loved playing. I'm so sorry my friend Sherri and family. Rest in Peace Beautiful Lady

Emily and Pete Gomez

May 1, 2024

Our condolences to the Montoya family. She always welcomed everyone with a smile on her face. She will definitely be missed by her family and many friends. Rest in Peace.

Jim Wanebo

May 1, 2024

Montoya Family, Jean was a wonderful friend who always expressed her friendship in her smile and greetings. It was a pleasure to know her and extend sincere condolences to your family in her memory. God be with her and your wonderful family.
Jim and Dottie Wanebo

Denny Gomez

April 30, 2024

My condolences to the Montoya family. Jeanie was a true Durango icon. Sadly, the old guard is leaving us.

Lorraine Aguirre

April 29, 2024

Aunt Jeannie was a wonderful lady. My fondest memory was when I was very young eating at her house in the kitchen me and Jeff Salasar were there. She poured us some beans and I didn´t like beans when she left around the corner I put all mine into Jeff´s bowl and then here she comes. Oh, you liked my beans and she gave me another big scoop, I did love her smothered burritos though I crave them I remember her and uncle George he would always ask me if I wanted a beer or some jerky not even knowing I was only 15 at the time. I am so glad that she´s not hurting no more and that she´s with the king of Kings no more suffering no more crying , God bless each and everyone of her kids and grandkids, and know that we shall see her again someday

Florence

April 29, 2024

I called her Jeannie She was such a happy person , such a beautiful soul. May she rest in peace

Brandy Montoya

April 29, 2024

Condolences May God be your comfort

Claudine Garcia

April 29, 2024

Jeanie, one of my very best friends. We shared so many great times with each other & family. A truly special lady that will be missed. Our deepest condolences and prayers to the family.
The Claudine & Francis Garcia Family.

Charlene Esquibel

April 29, 2024

My condolences to the entire family, my love and prayers are with you all. What a beautiful woman who left an imprint on so many of us. Rest easy Jeanie

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