ELOISA Age 96, joined our heavenly Father on January 27, 2012 after a short illness. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed a long, healthy and joyous life with her husband and family. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Pete Gallegos and grandson, Michael Garcia. She is survived by her loving husband of 73 years, Zack Montoya and their four children: Clara Garcia and husband Dan, and Mary Ellen Gallegos of Albuquerque, NM, Nora Juarros and husband Louis of Woodland Park, CO, and Carlos Montoya and wife Patti of Los Lunas, NM. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She was born on a ranch near Colmor, NM on April 30, 1915 and lived in Wagon Mound, NM for most of her life where she was a devoted and active member of the Santa Clara Parish. She graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from New Mexico Normal University which was later New Mexico Highlands University. She took her first teaching position at Las Tusas near Sapello, NM. She also taught at Nolan before moving to Wagon Mound where she taught 4th grade for 34 years. Eloisa's ministries were many and were such an important part of her life. She, along with Zack, were very involved in the church as a lector and minister of the Eucharist. Children learning their prayers were as important to her as them learning to read and write. She not only taught 4th grade but also taught catechism and prepared children for their 1st Holy Communion. She was involved in the Cursillo program and lived and worked several weekends. Eloisa was also a member of the Nuestra Senora Del Valle Curia of the Legion of Mary. Eloisa and Zack's favorite ministry was the Marriage Program and Marriage Enrichment because they were able to live and work the weekends together and share their married life as a couple. They lived 140 weekends over a 30 year period. As a result of this close relationship with couples, they have many adopted children and grandchildren and that just added to their joys. Serving the community was important to her as she was a board member of the Health Centers of Northern New Mexico, the Wagon Mound Senior Citizens and frequently prepared delicious meals for special occasions or groups. Her interests included quilting, which she enjoyed with her husband. Together they made many quilts for family and friends commemorating special events. She took special joy in her plants and flowers. She loved watching sports especially if the Lakers were playing. She was an avid card and board game player and taught several of her grandchildren to play. In remembrance of her life and the joy she brought us, the family invites you to join them for the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Santa Clara Church in Wagon Mound, NM. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that contributions be made in her honor to the Santa Clara Parish Building Fund, c/o Robert Mondragon, Santa Clara Parish, P. O. Box 186, Wagon Mound, NM 87752. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 30, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. from St. Francis Chapel at Gonzales Funerals & Cremations, 2315 Hot Springs Blvd in Las Vegas, NM. Another visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. from the Santa Clara Church in Wagon Mound, NM. The interment will follow in the Santa Clara Cemetery. The following grandchildren will serve as casket bearers: Tony Gallegos, Paul Gallegos, P. J. Juarros, Jon Montoya, Sugie Garcia, Trisha Gallegos, Lu Anne Sperando, and Katie Otero. The family wishes to thank Vista Care Hospice for the respectful and loving support provided to our beautiful mother and grandmother. Online condolences can be sent to the family at: www.gonzalesfunerals.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Billy G. Rogers at Gonzales Funerals & Cremations, 2315 Hot Springs Blvd., Las Vegas, NM, 1-888-525-9319.
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