Evelyn Montanio

Evelyn Montanio of Bakersfield passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the age of 92. She was married to Felix Montanio for 60 wonderful years. A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Evelyn brought warmth and joy to everyone around her. She is survived by her four children: Diane (Mac), Michael, Larry, and Geri (Robert). Evelyn leaves behind her sister Theresa Padilla, brother Louie Padilla (Dolores), 22 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews who cherished her deeply. Evelyn had a passion for caring for her family and would often spend hours shopping for special gifts. Her skills as a seamstress were well-known, as she lovingly altered many of the clothes she wore and took great pride in her garden. Family outings to local restaurants, including L & B's Mexican Restaurant and Bill Lee's, were among her favorite pastimes. She was an avid sports fan, always cheering on her Rams, Dodgers, and Lakers, and enjoyed attending her family's sports games. Before the pandemic, Friday mornings at the Senior Center were a highlight for her, where she loved to listen to music and dance with her friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Felix; her sons, Timothy and Felix Jr. "Boo-Boo"; great-grandson Marco Diaz III; her father Lucas Padilla; mother Panfila Castro Padilla; brothers Chuey (Chelo) and Johnny Padilla (Joanne); and sisters Chonita Martinez (Tano), Nellie Pena (Paul), Netti Sanchez (Juan), Rosie Marquez (David), and Eleonor Marquez (Javier). The Montanio family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hoffmann Hospice for their compassionate care during this difficult time. We would also like to thank L & B's Mexican Restaurant for their generous contribution to our mother. Evelyn will be remembered for her loving spirit and the countless lives she touched.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a rosary 6:00 p.m. at Basham Funeral Care Chapel 3312 Niles Street Bakersfield, CA 93306. Mass of Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St Francis Catholic Church 900 H Street Bakersfield, CA 93304. Followed by burial at 12:30 p.m. at Bakersfield National Cemetery 30338 East Bear Mountain Boulevard Arvin, CA 93203.
A celebration of life will be held at St Francis Church -MSGR Lahey Hall, 900 H Street Bakersfield, CA 93304 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Evelyn, please visit our Tree Store.