Geraldine Montes

Geraldine “Gerri” Sanchez Montes was born January 10, 1945, in Artesia, New Mexico, to her loving parents, Roman Sanchez and Florinda Salsberry Sanchez. She grew up in the “Valley,” also known as San Patricio, New Mexico, surrounded by family, love, and the simple joys that would become some of her most treasured memories.

As a young girl, Geraldine enjoyed picking fruit from the family orchard, making her own dresses for school, and spending time with her brothers and sisters. These childhood experiences remained special to her throughout her life and were a reflection of the close family bonds she carried with her always.

While attending Hondo ISD, Geraldine met her high school sweetheart, Robert G. “Bobby” Montes. Their young romance blossomed into a lifelong love, and they were married in July 1964. Together, they moved to Dallas, Texas, where they began building their life as husband and wife in the “Big City.” Through the years, they shared the joys and challenges of life, building a family and creating countless memories along the way.

Geraldine worked at various jobs throughout her life, including cafeteria worker, inventory clerk, lockbox processor, babysitter, and house cleaner. But of all the roles she held, the one she treasured most was being a mother. She was a devoted stay-at-home mom who found great purpose and happiness in caring for her family and making sure those she loved were taken care of.

Geraldine found joy in the simple things. She enjoyed coloring, crocheting, and cooking, but nothing compared to the happiness she felt when surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was, without a doubt, her greatest treasure. She loved watching her family grow and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them.

Those who knew Geraldine will remember her for her gentle spirit, loving heart, and the warmth she brought to her family. She had a way of making the people she loved feel cared for, and the memories she created with them will be treasured for generations to come. Her love did not end with her passing; it lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and all those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Geraldine passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves behind her loving husband of many years, Robert G. “Chango” Montes, as she affectionately called him; her daughters, Gail Ramirez of Roswell, New Mexico, Karen Montes of Roswell, New Mexico, and Lisa Montes of Dallas, Texas; and her grandchildren, Johnny, Ernest, Kathrine, Jordan, Jaydan, Jocelyn, Marisa, and Lydia, along with a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings and their families: Luvin Sanchez (Francis); Brezel Sanchez (Minnie); Delfina Vega; Flora Vega; Freddy Sanchez (Bertha); and Roman Sanchez (Yvonne).

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, Roman and Florinda Sanchez; her siblings, Ernest, Orlando, Cynthia, baby Magdalena, and baby Roman; her in-laws, Fermin S. and Cirenia Montes; her children, Katherine Gail, Robert Gabriel “Bobby,” and Christopher Michael Montes; and her grandsons, Christopher and Bobby Joe.

Though Geraldine is no longer with her family in person, the love she gave so freely will remain with them forever. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories to share, and a love that will continue to be passed down from one generation to the next. She will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the love she gave and the lives she touched.

Viewing will begin at 10AM on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at St. Jude Catholic Church in San Patricio, NM.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary will be led by Minnie Sanchez on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11AM at St. Jude Catholic Church in San Patricio, NM, followed by a Communion Service celebrated by Deacon Marvin Marquez.

Burial will follow at Hondo Cemetery in Hondo, NM with her grandsons, Johnny and Jordan; her nephews, Ray Sanchez, Kenny Vega, Felipe Sanchez; and her son-in-law, Mario Dixon serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Lee Vega and Gary Vega.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor, remember, and celebrate the beautiful life of Geraldine and the love she shared with all who knew her.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts. ❤️

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home. The florist serving this location is Wild At Heart Floral, 224 W. Rt. 66 Blvd., Tucumcari, NM 88401. 575-461-3344.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369.