Grace Eleanor Montano, 94

La Jara resident Grace Eleanor Montano, 94, passed away October 17, 2017 at the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Grace was born on July 9, 1923 in Amarillo, Texas, the beloved daughter of Clander Galvez and Janet Velasquez Galvez. Grace was a tomboy in her younger days, she played basketball in high school and loved to spend as much time as she could at her favorite swimming hole. As an adult she enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, listening to music, dancing, writing poetry and painting. She continued her thirst for learning new things and challenging herself. In her 70's she learned to play piano, took computer lessons and even line dancing lessons. She was a member of the United Church of La Jara and served as a Deacon. She was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #72, member of the Daughters of the  American Revolution, and both a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. Grace was an extraordinary and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her daughters Cheryl (Derryck) Todd of Northridge, CA; Paula (Rick) Medina , Ada Montano; son John Montano all of La Jara, CO; grandchildren Morgan, Brennan, Marrisa, Kierra, Mason, Jesse, Alex, Amber and Sunnie, 12 great-grandchildren, sister Opal Burris of Salt Lake City, UT; brothers Jack (Mattie) Galvez of Clifton, CO; Kenneth (Maxine) Galvez of West Jordan, UT; Lazelle (Jan) Galvez of Spokane, WA. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents Clander and Janet Galvez, husband Paul Montano, daughter Pearl Montano, her grandmother Ada Vernard who raised her, and four brothers and five sisters.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Alamosa Presbyterian Church. Interment to follow at the La Jara Cemetery. The care of arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa.