Stella Montoya

Stella Montoya, 82, of La Plata died on Sunday, January 30th in Farmington. She was born September 30, 1928 in Silverton, the oldest child of Onofre and Alvina Jaquez. Stella was preceded in death by her husband F. F. “Chano” Montoya, a son Theodore Montoya and her parents. For many years Stella was involved with the Make Yourself with Wool Contest that promoted wool products produced in the USA. She was active in various agricultural organizations and spent a lot of time traveling throughout the country representing important agricultural issues. She was always willing to share her political opinions. She enjoyed spending time working in her yard and garden. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Farmington. In 1994, Stella and Chano, received the New Mexico State Cattleman of the Year award. They were the first to receive the award as a couple. They were inducted into the History Makers Hall of Fame for Farmington. In 1990, they received the prestigious Citizen Award from the US Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. She also received many other awards and served on various boards. Among awards received by Stella and Chano were Salt of the Earth Award 1992 (NM Cattlegrowers)Chano and Stella and again in 1994 to Stella; New Mexico Beef Checkoff Committee (Chano and Stella), San Juan County, in recognition for your outstanding service to the Beef Industry in passage of the 1988 Referendum; For outstanding service to San Juan County Farm and Livestock Bureau for 30 years 11/24/98 (Stella); Bureau of Reclamation (Citizen Award) 10/30/90 to Chano and Stella; Past Presidents of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce induct Chano and Stella Formative Era into the Farmington Historymakers Hall of Fame 10/21/2000; Chano and Stella - Support of NM Cattlegrowers and was Grand Marshall for San Juan County Fair. She is survived by sons Anthony, Louis and Thomas of La Plata, Charles of Farmington and Davin of Hesperus, a daughter, Andrea Dunn of Lamar, Colorado, 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Interment will be in La Plata at Greenhorn Cemetery and her grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to Fort Lewis College Foundation, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301; Northwest NM Hospice, PO Box 3336, Farmington, NM 87499 or Basin Home Health, 200 N. Orchard Ave., Farmington, NM 87401. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street, Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 325-8688