Cleopatra Leona Montoya

Mrs. Cleopatra Leona “Cleo’ Montoya, daughter of the late Juan Jose Martinez and Eva Leyba Martinez was born January 17, 1931 in Penasco, New Mexico. She grew up in Llano New Mexico. At an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church where she served faithfully. She graduated from the school of beauty getting her license as a hair stylist.
At the age of 16, she was joined in holy matrimony to Urbano Joseph Montoya in August of 1948. This union was blessed with four daughters. Urbano Joseph preceded her death in January 14, 2003.
Cleo Montoya devoted her life to service for anyone in need. She fostered many children who were blessed with love and a warm home to shelter them from their situation. She worked with developmentally disabled children for many years as an aide, giving her heart and time to the children. She owned and operated a hair salon out of her home for 10 years. As an entrepreneur Cleo was always looking for opportunities to earn money, one of her favorites was shopping stores, and going to Tijuana. She became a flea market seller for many years alongside her husband.
She loved going to Lava hot springs, taking care of her grandchildren, and making rosaries. She practiced a long family tradition of healing with herbs and vitamins. She had a deep love for crystals and filled her home with them. Cleo loved to teach family member to make rosaries. She took great pride in her family and displayed photos of them in every room of her house. She was a devoted dog lover and loved her “Ollie” who preceded her in death.
Cleo had two loves, her church and her family. As a result of her generous spirit and faithfulness, she was loved by many. Her Catholic life was the foundation of beliefs, her love for Jesus Christ was heartfelt and she served him with unwavering faith. She loved her family deeply and, dedicated her life to give her children and grandchildren a spiritual life, values and a legacy of generosity, her influence will remain in the lives of those who knew her forever. She departed this life quietly after a long illness on October 8, 2019 in her home in the loving arms of her niece, Barbara Wigren. she was preceded in death by her daughter, Betty Cordova, sisters, Livaina Romero, Alice Jaramillo and Sally Martinez.
Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her daughters: JoAnn Anderson, Salt Lake City, Utah, Verlinda Montoya, and Marilyn Dee Montoya, Novato, California. Twelve grandchildren, John Estrada, Teresa Hicks, Robert Estrada, Elena Estrada, Jerry Romero, Tara Romero, Andrea Samora, Carrie Montoya, Samuel Houston-Montoya, Mindy Martinez, Christopher Hathaway and Nicole Hathaway, nineteen great-grandchildren, devoted nephews and nieces, cousins and friends.
A special thank you to the following family members who devoted years of love in supporting her during her long illness; Barbara Wigren, Niece, granddaughters; Mindy Martinez, Andrea Samora, and Tara Romero, and great-granddaughter, Syndey Estrada. A special acknowledgement to the following family members that also helped during her illness; granddaughter, Teresa Estrada, great-grandchildren; Dominic Houston, Tarryn Goddard, Jayde Montoya-Huerta, and Samie Houston.
The viewing will be held at Memorial Estates 6500 So Redwood Road, Sunday October 13, 2019 from 6 PM to 8 PM. A rosary will be conducted by Deacon George. The funeral will be Monday, October 14, 2019 at St. Peter and Paul Church, 3650 South 3560 West, West Valley City. A private viewing will be held at 9:30 AM prior to the mass at 10 AM. The burial will follow the mass at Memorial Estates. The family will offer a luncheon to be held immediately following the burial at St. Peter and Paul Church. All flowers may be sent to Memorial Estate.
Service Information
Viewing October 13, 2019 at 6 - 8 PM
6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123





Viewing October 14, 2019 at 9:30 - 10 AM
3560 W 3650 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84119





Funeral Service
October 14, 2019 at 10 AM
3560 W 3650 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84119