Lydia Paublita Montez Lewis

Lydia Paublita Montez Lewis Age 80, a lifelong resident of Ranchitos passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 22, 2012. Lydia was born on March 2, 1931 in Mont Rose, Colorado, daughter of Ernesto Montez and Gertrude Talachy Borrego. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents who helped raise her, Alvilino and Guadalupe Talachy; uncles who she was raised with: Faustin and Cornelio Talachy and Ramon Salazar; aunt, Lilly Talachy-Borrego; in-laws: Reason Alonzo and Minnie Haygood Lewis; 10 brothers-in-law; 8 sisters-in-law. Lydia served in the United States army from 1952 to 1953. This is when she met her husband Jack. After Jack retired from the Army they settled in Española in 1972. She worked as a radio police dispatcher for the city of Española, Rio Arriba Sheriff's Office, Pojoaque Pueblo Police for numerous years. Upon retirement she spent her time in her garden cultivating those she adored along with her flowers. Lydia was also a member of Holy Family Society de San Miguel in Ranchitos, NM. When she was born the mold was broken. She was truly one of a kind, who gave of herself to all she knew and loved unconditionally. She was the strongest most courageous and insightful Mom ever imagined. She will truly be missed by her family and all those who were lucky enough to have known her. Lydia is survived by her soul mate husband of 60 years, Jack; children: Charles, Elizabeth, Jacqueline, Michael and (JoAnn); her cherished grandchildren: Charles Tyson Lewis, City Councilman, Cory Jack Lewis and LeeAnn Maes, Christopher Michael Lewis whom she called her giant; great grandchildren who were her pride and joy because she knew they were the ones to carry on her legacy: Aaron Lewis, Zoe Lewis, Zachary Joel Lewis and her newest addition, Ashlynn Ann Lewis; 2 Godsons: Roy and James Salazar; brother, Jose E. Montez; aunt, Alberta Salazar; brother-in-law, Bill Lewis; sisters-in-law: Darlene Lewis and Julia Richson; numerous other loving relative and friends. Cremation has taken place. Public visitation will begin on Thursday, January 26, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. Memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 27, 2012, at 1 p.m. at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh. Private burial to follow. Pallbearers named are: Roy E. Salazar, Gilbert Salazar, James Salazar and Richard Marquez. The family of Lydia Paublita Montez Lewis has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505747-7477 or www.devargasfuneral.com