Heaven gained another angel on Saturday, July 7, 2018. Our loving Mom, Damas Montez, 87, of Laramie, passed away at Hospice of Laramie surrounded by her family.
She was born February 27, 1931 in Marfa, Texas to Thomas and Isadora (Hernandez) Laugheed. Damas left her family home at the age of 16 to go to work in the fields in Wheatland, Wyoming with her brother and sister-in-law, skipping the rows where they saw snakes!
She married Francis Montez on June 18, 1948 in Wheatland and together they had nine children.
Family was the most important priority to Damas, playing both roles as mother and father while her husband worked on the road for Union Pacific Railroad. Damas loved to travel, visiting her family in Texas and California. She taught her children her recipes for tortillas, beans, and rice to carry on the tradition of her cooking. She would not only cook for her family, she would also cook for the homeless and have Francis deliver the food, while her home was always open to all. Damas’s faith was also important to her praying the rosary every day, she was a member of the Lady of Guadalupe Group and St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church.
Damas worked as a housekeeper for Tri Delta at the University of Wyoming for many years.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Francis Montez, parents, brother, John, baby sister Isadora and sister, Luciana.
She is survived by her children, Frank (Deborah), Richard (Debbie), Leonard, Patricia (Deb), Isadora (Sheila), Steven, Rosemary (Donna), Lorenzo, and James (Kimberly); 20 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Mary Laugheed and Helen Montez; sisters, Helen and Rose and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 12, 2018 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
Rosary and Vigil service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12, 2018 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church.
Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 13, 2018 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church with the Reverend Fr. Dave Erickson, celebrant.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Drive, Laramie, WY 82070 to go towards the finishing of their Sanctuary at the Hospice House.
So many good memories enjoyed with this lovely lady and her family.The thing I remember most about Damas was her devotion to her kids and of course, Frank. To the Montez kids you have my deepest sympathy and I wish I could give all of you a big hug.
My condolences to the Montez family. She was a beautiful soul with a beautiful smile.
Damas was a wonderful woman and we are so happy we got to have her in our lives. My brother Douglas and I loved Damas and she will be missed very much! May the memories of her love and laugh give you comfort.
Damas was a true light to her family and those that knew her. I will remember her kind and gentle spirit with a tiny bit of spunk. Though her physical presence will forever be missed, I know she is at home with her loved ones who passed before her and her eternal father. Much love to you all. Rachelle Kalkofen and Family
We are so very sorry for your loss. What an outstanding woman and a blessing to many. We are holding you in prayer. In Christ's love, John and Jeanne Van Heule
May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. You are all in my thoughts and my prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Keep her in your heart and she will always be with you.
I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Mrs. Montez was a true angel. She was so kind, and loving, and I will never forget her laugh. She always made me smile when we were younger. You always knew she would keep you safe and would do whatever she could to help you through life's trials. God Bless you all, and I pray that the Lord helps to heal your hearts from such a loss. Know that I am thinking and praying for you.
Oh my, bless Damas as she enters Eternal Life. I have a statue of the Holy Family and several hand made items she gave me here in Longmont to remind me of her kindness. I enjoyed visits with both Damas and Frank over the years in Laramie. Paula Hurtubise
James and the entire Montez Family, A Mother is God's greatest comfort, as you Son's & Daughter's, her greatest gift during her life! If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me... Jussila Vialpando Cisneros ⚘
Sorry for your loss. Pur thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
To The Entire Montez Family Near & Far ~ Many Prayers and Hugs!!! I hope your wonderful memories will make your heart smile.
I have fond memories of Damas, always a welcome smile and kind words. You will be very missed by those who love you. I find joy in knowing you and Frank are with our Dear Lord!
May you be comforted at this time of sorrow and find peace through all the love and memories that surrounds you all at this time of need may god bless you all my condolences ???
To all Montez family, We are sorry for your Loss! May God Bless You all during this difficult time! We send Healing Hugs and Prayers to all. ??
Rest in peace Aunt Damas I'm always going to have good memories of you and Uncle Frank when I used to come with my grandma to Laramie to visit you
So sorry for the loss of such a spectacular woman. Her legacy will shine on through all left behind. I hope you all find some comfort in knowing she is reunited with her love.
Much love to all of you. Your parents did a great job of raising a special family.