Gretchen L. Montano

Gretchen L.  Montano, 79, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. She is survived by her life partner of 26 years Allen Gilbert; children Brian Montano, Trent Montano (Trishelle), Leslie Montano Thompson (Jeff); her beloved grandchildren, Dylan (Jacquelyn Garcia), Ryann, Tanner, Andy, and Ella; siblings, Dr. John Boutz (Karon), Stephanie Boutz (Greg Snover); numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family; as well as many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul “Lawrence” and Emma Lee Boutz.

Gretchen was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, graduated from Valley High School (Class of 1960), attended New Mexico State University, and lived in her northeast heights home for nearly fifty years. She worked for Avon Products Inc. for a long successful career, retiring early and working in her sister’s bookstore, Cantwell’s for many years.  She then spent several years post-retirement working at AAA as an emergency road service operator.

Gretchen’s legacy of compassionate relationships will always be treasured. She had a special way of connecting with people, young or old, friend or stranger. She truly enjoyed people, especially her family and will be missed by an overwhelming number of people, as conventional limits of family titles could not contain her love and kindness. “Mom, Auntie, Gram, Grammie, or Grandma Gretchen,”  had many hobbies, including  crafting such as knitting and sewing, gardening, training her dogs, and tending to her bird feeders; but she was most passionate about being a Grandmother. She spent countless hours and traveled many miles to support her family and enjoyed every one of their interests right along with them. Gretchen never missed a tradition, or an opportunity to make a beautiful memory. Often, she could be found supporting one of her “adopted” family members and might have met her “new best friend” in the process. Whether it was tangible items like snacks or sunscreen, or just positive words of encouragement, she made a difference everywhere she went.

Gretchen was deeply loved by family, extended family and friends, and will be celebrated in services to be held Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 12:00 noon, at Daniel’s Family Funeral Services, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.

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