Lucille Montoya

Lucille Montoya, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished nana, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, at the age of 66. Born on April 13, 1958, in Colorado, Lucille's journey through life was marked by her indomitable spirit, her radiant smile, and her unwavering love for her family and friends.

A proud graduate of Windsor High School in 1976, she navigated her professional life as the Human Resource Director at Kroll Factual Data. In this role, she impacted many lives through her supportive nature and ability to connect with those around her. Lucille had a unique talent for lighting up any room she entered a quality that endeared her to colleagues and friends alike.

Lucille married the love of her life. Elmer "JR" Montoya, and through their union, she was blessed with a daughter, Sara whom she cherished as one of her greatest blessings.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lucille was a woman of many passions and interests. She delighted in crafting and loved to create homemade gifts that brought joy to her loved ones. Lucille's spirit thrived through experiences, as she cherished every moment spent traveling to Mexico, dancing, fishing, and going on memorable road trips with her husband. Her adventurous heart knew no bounds, and these memories will be forever etched in the hearts of those fortunate enough to share them with her.

As the youngest of twelve siblings, Lucille was deeply rooted in family values. She was a proud advocate for Donate Life, having been a recipient of a double lung transplant on Feb 7, 2018. Her courageous fight for life was a testament to her strength, and her story will inspire many to appreciate the gift of life.

Lucille's greatest joy came from being a grandmother, lovingly referred to as "Nana." She took pride in her role, supporting her grandchildren—Rylan (Taylor), Chloee, Alexandra, and Sloan—with unwavering love and support in all that they did. Her devout faith guided her throughout her life, and it was through this lens that she viewed the world, finding beauty in everyday moments and in the love she shared with her family.

Lucille will be deeply missed by her husband, JR, her baby Josey, her daughter Sara Thronburg (Rex), and her beloved grandchildren. In-laws Elmer Montoya Sr. and Betty Montoya. Brothers and sisters, Beatrice Montoya, Manuel (Angie) Apodaca, Ann Apodaca, Frank (Lupe) Apodaca, John Crowe, Evelin (Robert) Seay, Dan (Linda) Apodaca, Carolyn Mannon, Helen (Tony) Chavez, Henrietta (Charlie) Garcia, Daniel (Chris) Apodaca. Sisters-in-law Janet (Lance) Fasnacht, Jennifer Lambert (Gary Collins), Cathy (Bryant) Gimlin. Along with many beloved nieces and nephews and of course her 76'ers. Those who knew her will remember her not only for her beautiful smile infectious laugh and kind heart but also for the love and light she shared with everyone around her.

Lucille was preceded in death by her loving parents Lucy and Dan Apodaca, brother Alfred Apodaca and brothers-in-law Mark Mannon, James P Lambert and Benny Montoya and sister Inez Crowe.

Though Lucille has departed from this world, her spirit lives on in the hearts she touched and the lives she changed. We will forever cherish her memory and the profound impact she had on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu please consider donating to pathways hospice or donate life.

To view live stream of services please visit https://www.youtube.com/@olvwindsor/streams