Our dear beloved Mother, Ernestine Montoya, passed into eternal life on January 16th, 2026. She was 84 years old and is already missed beyond words.

She was born in Ocate, NM, on October 8th, 1941, to the late Ernesto and Clodovea Pacheco. She spent her youth in Ocate, Maxwell, and finally spent her formative years in Ranchos de Taos. She graduated from Central Catholic High School in Taos, where she met her lifelong partner and true love, Ignacio Montoya.

Ernestine worked as a candy striper at Holy Cross Hospital as a teenager. Later, she became a nurse after attending McCurdy School of Nursing. She had a wonderful lifetime career and enjoyed helping others.

Beyond her career, she loved being involved in the Church. She was a lifelong Catholic and was a mayordomo along with her husband Ignacio. For years, she washed and ironed the altar linen. She also enjoyed daily Mass and prayers.

Ernestine was a loving wife, devoted mother, and doting grandmother. She was loved by her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Ignacio Montoya. She is survived by her four children: Sheila Montoya Rey and husband David, Myra Pompeo and husband Larry, Aaron Montoya and wife Mary Ann, Grace Cardenas and husband Andy. She will be forever cherished and remembered by her two grandsons, Daniel S. Johnson and wife Jennifer, and Drew Cardenas.

Ernestine was predeceased by her father Ernesto Pacheco, mother Clodovea Garcia, sister Marie Pacheco, brother Alfonzo Pacheco, and sister Virginia (Gigi) Pacheco. She is survived by her sister Viola Rose and husband John, and her sister Linda Esquibel and husband Bellarmino.

She was a wonderful grandmother who loved her two grandsons with all her heart. She helped raise both and was very involved in all their activities. She supported them in all their endeavors, and they filled her heart with pride.

Ernestine enjoyed reading, traveling, and had many adventures over the years with her dear friend Susan Hand, including a trip to Hawaii. She also enjoyed an amazing trip to Italy with her daughter Myra.

Unfortunately, in her later years, she was afflicted with a terrible disease. Fortunately, she had many lovely caregivers who helped her. The family would like to thank: Jessie Maestas, Maria Valdez, Diane Reed Rotolo, Hiltona Castleberry, and Norma Guevara. We also can never express how much we appreciate the considerate, quality care given to her over the years by her doctor, Ellen Warren.

Finally, a heartfelt thanks to all the spouses of her children who helped willingly with Ernestine’s care.

A Rosary will be held on February 6, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe at 9AM, with a Mass to follow at 10AM.