Viola Montoya's Obituary
Our beloved mother, Viola Montoya passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, with her family by her side. She spent her final days at the home of her great-granddaughter, Laken, who served as her caretaker. She was born on April 5, 1939 in Dinkeyville, Utah, to Ezekiel Leyba and AltaGracia Martinez. She was the youngest of 13 children and grew up living on an orchard, where she learned early the value of hard work, resilience, and family – qualities that stayed with her throughout her life. Viola graduated from Jordan High School on May 24, 1957.
On November 7, 1956, she married the love of her life, Laurence “Larry” Montoya, in Elko, Nevada. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. Their marriage was blessed with six children; one beloved child, “little” Larry, preceded her in death at the age of five.
Viola worked at O.C. Tanner as a line worker, where she cleaned jewelry, and later worked as a clothing seamstress. Sewing was more than just work for her, it was something she truly enjoyed, and she took pride in creating and mending with her own hands.
Viola enjoyed the thrill of gambling and loved to travel, always happy to get out, explore, and try her luck. Whether it was a trip or simply time spent together with her siblings, she knew how to enjoy life on her own terms. She loved her Coca-Cola, enjoyed listening to Elvis Presley, and treasured time with her grandchildren.
Viola generously shared her favorite recipes with her family, and those recipes have become lasting traditions. Christmas dinner, in particular, has always been inspired by her cooking, and those meals, along with the memories made around the table, will continue to connect generations.
She was very strong-willed and never afraid to speak her mind. At the same time, she had a deep and unwavering love for her family. Viola devoted much of her life to raising multiple generations, and her grandchildren were especially dear to her heart.
Faith played an important role in Viola’s life. She was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church on December 22, 1962, and her faith guided her through both joyful and challenging seasons.
Viola will be remembered for her strength, determination and fierce devotion to her family.
Viola is survived by her children, Cindy, Vicki, Sheri (Trey), Stephen (Crystal), Sonya (Tim) and sisters Sadie and Dorothy (Louie).
Her legacy lives on through her 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great joy and pride.
Viola is reunited with her loving husband Laurence. She is preceded in death by five brothers and six sisters, son Larry, granddaughter Shelley and great-grandson, Hunter.
Funeral services honoring the life of Viola Montoya will be held on Tuesday February 3, 2026, at 12:00pm, at Premier Funeral Home at 67 East 8000 South, Salt Lake City, UT, 84047. Family and friends may attend a viewing prior to the service from 11:00am-12:00pm MST. A graveside service will follow the funeral service at West Jordan Cemetery.
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