Anita Margarita Montoya

Anita Margarita Montoya, 92, died Monday, June 17, 2024. She was born on July 10, 1931, in Lumberton, NM to Maximenio and Margarita Valdez. Anita, with her husband Seledon, built her life around God and family. She took pride in her church, her home, and her community. Anita tended to their children, the farm, the animals, and every meal was home cooked. Beloved by all, she shared her love to anyone in her path and their home was always open. She spent her time working with her hands, gardening, crochet, and embroidery along with collecting decorative shoes. Anita and her unwavering faith persevered more in one lifetime than anyone should. Raising her siblings; after an early loss of their mother, losing a child, surviving cancer, losing a spouse, and fighting dementia are just some of her trials. Anita shone the brightest when she was with children. They brought a spark to her eye that would make her young again and was a joy to be seen.

Anita is proceeded in death by her parents; siblings Tilly Andrade, Amado Valdez, Max Valdez, LaVerta Johnson and Levi Valdez; husband of 58 years Seledon Montoya; baby daughter Sylvia Marie Montoya, son Robert Montoya & grandson Eric Sweetland. She is survived by siblings; Lucy Jacquez, Mae Valdez, and Nena Phillips, her six children; David Montoya, Maggie Mikkalsen, Martha and husband, Rex Sweetland, all of California, Seledon Montoya Jr., Frances and husband, John Largo, and Carla Ramero, all of Farmington; grandchildren Erica Jones, Heather Mikkalsen, Michelle Mikkalsen, Sylvia and Chris Hartzog, Rachel and Jason Jarrett, Carey Montoya, Danny and Sonja Montoya, Christy and Uriah Coberly, Nathan Largo and Destanie Casaus; plus 16 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Pallbearers Carey Montoya, Danny Montoya, Nathan Largo, Sylvia Hartzog, Joseph Sweetland and Alexa Michaels. Funeral services will take place Wednesday, June 26th at Templo Sinai Assembly of God Church, 800 S McCormick School Rd, Farmington, NM. Followed by interment at Greenlawn Cemetery, 1606 N Dustin Ave, Farmington, NM.