Loretta Montoya touched our lives and hearts with such happiness, love and the most beautiful smile ever created. On July 4, 2016, our happiness turned to sadness and our hearts became broken, as Loretta passed away from her earthly home, into the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Loretta fought a valiant fight against an evil cancer, never complaining, never losing her spirit and determination, until she could fight no more. She is our hero. Loretta was born on July 10, 1956, in Las Vegas to very proud parents, Connie Herrera and Lawrence Tafoya, who survive her. She was a most beautiful bride as she was united in marriage to Bobby C. Montoya, on Feb. 19, 1977. They were just seven months shy from completing 40 years of marriage. From this union they have three wonderful and loving sons, Christopher, Robert Lee, and Ryan. Loretta was so proud of her family and their accomplishments. There was nothing she wouldn't do for them. Loretta was a 1974 graduate of Robertson High School in Las Vegas, where she excelled in academics. She was very active in many school activities. Loretta went on to receive her bachelor of arts and masters degree in social work at New Mexico Highlands University. She would retire from Children, Youth and Families Department, after devoting more than 30 years of service. To say she was dedicated and hard-working, would be an understatement. She had so much compassion for children and families involved in the system. She believed in fairness and taking every opportunity given, to help families become successful. She believed in those that no one else would believe in. She was a true social worker in every sense of the word. Loretta and her family enjoyed many vacations together, especially during the last ten years. All of them are avid UNM Lobo fans and would attend the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. as a family. With never a dull moment amongst them, Loretta looked forward to this every year. Whether it was paragliding in Mexico, horseback riding in the Bahamas, or zip-lining in Belize, Loretta lived her life to the fullest. She was determined to not let cancer rule her life. Loretta was an excellent and talented seamstress and quilt maker. She always had a project going on. From making prom dresses, banners for schools, making her beautiful quilts for family members and grandchildren, to sewing dresses for children in Haiti, she was always ready to take on something new and challenging. We can only be inspired by her lovely patterns, and vibrant colors she chose, to live our lives with the same passion, commitment, and love that she lived hers. Loretta is preceded in death by her father-in-law, Abelino Montoya Sr.; her mother-in-law, Lucille Montoya; brother-in-law, Fred Montoya; step-father, Paul Edwards, and her beloved dog, Poker.Surviving Loretta is her loving husband, Bobby C. Montoya, of the family home in Rio Rancho; sons, Christopher Montoya and wife, Brandie, of Albuquerque, Robert Lee Montoya and wife, Jami, of Ft. Collins, Colo., and Ryan Montoya of Denver. Also, her beautiful grandchildren, whom she loved with all of her heart, Cameron, Mason, Mylee and Lucy; sisters, Debbie Pajak and husband, Dan, of Mesa, Ariz., Christine Duran and husband, Martin, of Las Vegas, Martha Beiser and husband, Doug, of Fountain Valley, Calif.; one brother, Larry Tafoya and wife, Carly, of Rio Rancho; sisters-in-law, Dulia Montoya, Teresa Duran and husband, Henry, Bernadette Sena and husband, Ben, Katherine Montoya Gallegos, Louisa Montoya, Manuelita Loveless and husband, Dewey, Frances Hawksworth and husband, Dennis, and Hope Montoya; brothers-in-law, Edward Montoya, David Montoya and wife, Lisa, Abelino Montoya Jr. and wife, LouElla, Les Montoya, John Montoya and Michael Montoya; her parents, Connie Edwards of Albuquerque, and Lawrence Tafoya of Las Vegas; her very special God-children, Alicia Beiser, Daniel Pajak, and Vanessa Tafoya Pina; her best friend, Deborah Martinez and numerous nieces and nephews.Honored to be Loretta's pallbearers are: Abelino Montoya Jr., Les Montoya, Daniel Pajak, Paul Beiser, Jordan Marquez and Jaryd Marquez. Honorary pall bearers are Michael Montoya and George Marquez.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Loretta's name to the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation 4901 Lang Avenue NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109. You may also send them to her home address: Robert Carlos Montoya; 1100 Coyote Bush Road NW, Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87114.Rosary services will be held at 7 p.m. today (Friday) at the Immaculate Conception Church in Las Vegas. Funeral services will be conducted at 9 a.m. on Saturday also at Immaculate Conception Church with Father George V. Salazar as celebrant. Interment will be held at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Las Vegas.Visit Rogers Mortuary's website at www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign their online register book.Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary; 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas; 1-800-479-3511 or 425-3511.