Lala M. Montaño

Lala M. Montaño, 63 of Santa Rosa, NM passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Amarillo, Texas.

Lala was born February 2, 1962 to Salomon Pacheco and Rita (Baca) Pacheco in Las Vegas, NM. She was raised in Vaughn, NM, where she also attended school. Lala later attended Luna Community College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. While living in Las Vegas, Lala worked for West Las Vegas Head Start, as an Early Childhood teacher and as a waitress.

In her spare time, Lala enjoyed the outdoors, gardening-as she had a green thumb, she loved her pets and enjoyed cooking. However, Lala’s greatest joy came from the time she spent with her family and friends. She will be remembered for being an amazing person.

Lala is preceded in death by her parents, Salomon and Rita Pacheco, son: Lucas Tapia and husband: Dennis Tapia.

She is survived by her son, Ramon Tapia of Santa Rosa, siblings: Raymond Bernadino Pacheco, Anthony “Tony” Pacheco (Maria), Christine Arquello Pacheco, Frances Vera Pacheco, Angelina “Angela” Pacheco, Jimmy Joe Pacheco, Priscilla Ortega Pacheco, Leroy Jose Pacheco, Gloria Pacheco, Andrea Bernadette Pacheco and Salomon Pacheco, Jr., as well as numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 10-11AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vaughn.

Following visitation, services will begin at 11AM, with the Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary and the Mass of Christian Burial, with Father Timothy Meurer officiating.

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