MaryLou Montoya

May 17, 1941 - June 4, 2020

MaryLou Montoya (nee Cortez) MaryLou Montoya passed away peacefully on June 4, 2020 at the age of 79. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Antonia (Avila) Cortez, first husband, Henry Salazar, and brother, Charles Cortez. MaryLou is survived by her loving husband Milton Montoya, son Mark Salazar (Cinda), daughter Henrietta Jolley (Theresa), brothers Frank Cortez, Jr. (Laura), Alex Cortez, Josie Cortez (sister-in-law), and David Cortez (Alma), grandchildren CPT Jon Salazar, Ranger, US Army, 2LT Ian Salazar, Aviation, US Army, Isaac Jolley, and Antonia Jolley, step-children Cindy Montoya, Milton (Bud) Montoya, Jr., and Tonya Martinez (Matthew), and step-grandchildren Justin Kazierczak, Daniel Maxam (Monica), Haley Martinez, and Morgan Martinez. She had many nieces and nephews. MaryLou was born on May 17 in Raton, New Mexico to Frank and Antonia Cortez, a coal mining family. She was the oldest child and had four brothers. MaryLou graduated from Raton High School and, shortly thereafter, married Henry Salazar with whom she had two children, Mark and Henrietta. When MaryLou’s husband Henry passed away, the truth of her character and resilience shined through as she proceeded to raise her two children alone and saw both of them through college and on to successful careers. Many years later, she married Milton Montoya. MaryLou’s life centered on her family as they always came first. She loved the life she shared with her husbands. With Henry, she enjoyed raising their children and family outings. With Milton, she enjoyed dancing, fishing, and traveling. As a dedicated mother, she imparted strong values to her children and taught them to be independent and self-reliant. During her last days, she continued to be a role model for her children and showed them how to be strong and kind. MaryLou enjoyed sewing, cooking, crafting, gardening, reading, learning, and listening to music. She was active and always working on projects. MaryLou was multi-talented and a true pioneer. When she was not with her family or engaged in her activities, she liked visiting with her close friends. MaryLou was a loyal and considerate friend. She was a wonderful, loving, caring, and patient mother. She was a loving, dedicated, and faithful wife. She was a beautiful, gentle, loving, kind, and compassionate daughter and sister. Her love lives on in the family that she leaves as her legacy. She is already greatly missed by family and friends. A private Rosary and Mass for local family and friends will be held on June 18, 2020 at 10 AM at St. Patrick’s – St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raton, New Mexico. At a future day, when travel restrictions ease, MaryLou’s children will host a celebration of her life.