Esther Preciado Montoya

Our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, Esther Preciado Montoya passed away with her grandchildren at her side with her last words "I love you,sweetie" on January 17, 2010.



She married Joseph Abraham Montoya in Santa Paula, California November 19, 1940. They were blessed with one son, Joseph Anthony Montoya and daughter Andrea. As a military wife, she traveled the world with her family, settling Mapleton Utah.



Mom was first and foremost a wonderful mother, grandmother and wife, and an outstanding sister. She was a wonderful cook and worked her early years as a nanny touching many children. Mom's greatest joy was the family. She made her love known to all and was always willing to help anyone in need. She always made sure you left with a full tummy. Her joyful and fun personality will be missed so very much.



She is survived by one son, Joe Montoya (Barbara Mary); 10 grandchildren: James

(Felila); Paul (Tina), Lynanne Cottle (Brad), Joy Berta (Diego), Stephen (Diane), Amy Williams (Aaron), Linda May Tolbert (Zackery), Abby, Emily and Peter Chriske; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Angela Domengiez, Viola Martinez; 2 brothers Ruben and Cecil Preciado and nieces, nephews and cousins.



She was preceded in death by her husband, infant daughter, Anrdrea, 4 sisters: Andrea, Rosa, Mary and Estella and 2 brothers, Joe, & Leon.



She carried on this legacy throughout her life in conversations with her family and friends lasting all day and well into the night. She loved to talk about her grand and great-grandchildren, sewing, flower arranging, current events, feelings, people, and cooking. Her oft repeated stories were full of humor and wisdom.



Esthers influence on her son and all her family was abiding and intense and their love for her was reflected in their successes. She could calm any child with a loving conversation or keep a large audience enthralled with her stories and sewing. We will never forget her wit, wisdom, and advice always encouraging and reminding us of our possibilities. We will remember her for her beauty, her impeccable taste, her love for smart, well made clothes, and her complete devotion to us. We will miss our faithful source for all things, ready day or night with ideas and options to better our lives.



In memory of Esther, plant an apricot tree to let her legacy live on.



Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 25, 2010 at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E. 200 S., Springville. There will be a viewing held at the mortuary Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in the Camp Williams Veterans Cemetery.