Virginia Montano

Virginia Montaño, age 76, passed away April 22, 2025, at her home in Rio Rancho, NM, after a

long illness. She was a lifelong New Mexican, born in Ponderosa, NM, to Juan and Deluvina

Garcia. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Diane Jaramillo, and her niece, Vanessa

Guiterrez.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Andy Montaño, and her three daughters, Cynthia and

her husband, Anthony Ortega of Cusseta, GA, Tammy Montaño and her former husband, Jaime

Zapien, of Albuquerque, NM, and Debra Montaño of Rio Rancho, NM. Virginia was blessed with

six grandchildren, Tania, Andre, Tabetha, Jaymes, Tiler, and Emily, and two great grandchildren,

Nathaniel and Oliver. Her surviving brothers and sisters are Velma Chavez, Tino Garcia (Jenny),

Cecilia Martinez, Joe Garcia (Rosemary), Roberta Guiterrez (Clarence), and Albert Garcia

(Patricia) as well as her best friend, Benita Kline.

Virginia retired as the Executive Housekeeper from the Hampton Inn in Albuquerque after 25

years of welcoming tourists to the state. She loved her job, and so many of her relatives worked at

the property that it became an extension of the family. A family that she loved deeply and fiercely.

She will be remembered for her feisty personality and her no-nonsense attitude.

She loved Elvis and dancing and the Dallas Cowboys, and WWE.

She will be missed.

A Rosary followed by a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, May 24, 2025, at St. Thomas

Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd. Rio Rancho, NM 87124

All family and friends are welcome to attend.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

"Our Family Serving Yours"