Carmen K. Montoya 1943-2025 Carmen K. Montoya, age 81,

Carmen K. Montoya 1943-2025 Carmen K. Montoya, age 81, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Carmen was born in 1943 in McNary, Ariz., to Pasqual and Sofia Armijo Sr. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Services will take place on Friday, June 6, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, beginning with a visitation at 9:30 a.m. and Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Carmen is preceded in death by her loving parents, Pasqual K. Sr. and Sofia Espinoza Armijo; her loving husband, Floyd Montoya; sons, Joey Garcia and Vance Montoya; granddaughter, Stephanie Garcia; brothers, Jake, Baby Pasqual and Pasqual Armijo Jr.; and close friend, Able Garcia. She is survived by her two brothers, Ernest Armijo (Kathy) and Alfredo Armijo (Flora); daughters, Sofia Baca and Amanda Garcia, both of Belen; sons, Richard Montoya (Cathleen), of Belen, and Lee Montoya (Marcela), of El Paso, Texas; sisters-in-law, Emelda Armijo and Joannie Artiaga Armijo; dear friend, Lydia Abeita (Joe); and close friend, Ray Lucero. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, godsons and goddaughters, who loved her dearly! Carmen was not only a resident of the community but an affectionately-known beautician. She was a business owner of her own shop, Professional Image. Carmen always threw herself into taking care of her "ladies" and made them feel as beautiful as she always saw them to be. Her customers were not only customers but became a part of her extended family. She always took pride in her work and always took care of anyone in need. Carmen was a person who would always take care of others before herself and would never have it any other way. Her passing will leave a void in many lives she touched throughout her amazing 81 years of life. Those who knew Carmen would tell you that she was such a caring person and her children were never surprised if she came home with extra children, friends, or anyone in need. She would never say no to those who needed a place to lie their head as they got back on their feet. She found joy in helping those who needed someone to tell them "I got you!" Words cannot express how caring and compassionate of a person she was. She truly loved putting a smile on peoples' faces! Carmen loved to crochet and just about everyone she knew probably has something she has made for them. She loved to spoil her brothers, children and family members. Carmen had a gift in her arms, which always made anyone she hugged feel like the most important person in that very moment. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Although her physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to give us all inspiration and hope to live our very best life. May her memory be a blessing and take the example of compassion that she has shown so many people and continue to spread to every life we touch. Please sign Carmen's online tribute at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.