Annie Montes

On Monday, January 18, 2021, Annie made her way into heaven while listening to her beloved Elvis, with her youngest son Danny by her side.

Annie was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Candida; five brothers: J. B., Vicente, Prospero, Frank,  Richard; and sister Josephine.

Annie is survived by her husband Gilbert; sons: David and Danny (Kristin); grandchildren: Sasha (Bill) Powell, Eric Montes, Kaidan Montes; sister Priscilla Ramirez; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family meant the world to Annie.

Annie was born on October 1, 1938 in Cuba, New Mexico. After graduating from Cuba High School Annie attended University of Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico.

Annie worked as the principal's secretary for Cuba Independent Schools. That's where she met the love of her life Gilbert Montes. He was a new science teacher at the time. Gilbert was originally from the Mesilla Valley in southern New Mexico, he fell in love with Annie, who loved to dance. Although this was not Gilbert’s favorite pastime, after they were married he learned to cut a rug from the best teacher. They danced through 59 years of marriage. They raised two handsome sons David and Danny. Annie instilled in them her love of family and spending time in Cuba. We have all visited the one room school house that still stands. We have enjoyed countless sunsets over the canyon and laughter around the campfire.

She retired from Albuquerque Public Schools after 25 years of service. In their retirement years, Annie and Gilbert spent time traveling with family and friends. They were regulars in Downtown Las Vegas and on Sun Tours. They traveled to Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Canada, Puerto Rico, and went on five Caribbean cruises. Although she loved Italy the best of their worldly travels, she had a special place in her heart for Graceland. Annie loved to read. She would finish one book and start another. She enjoyed the Harry Potter series, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, and of course, romance novels.

The greatest joys of Annie’s life were her three grandchildren. They could always count on Grandma to make their favorite foods, snacks, and desserts. She could whip up a great meal on a moment’s notice. She was proud of Sasha and Eric because they grew into such wonderful, kind adults. Grandma and Kaidan share a special love for Elvis and Andy Griffith. Annie enjoyed watching the grandkids in all their events from Wu-Shu to Choir to Flag Football.

Annie’s wit and quiet way will be missed. She had a loving heart for her family and friends. Her home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay or just a good long visit.

Annie has left us all with wonderful memories and a beautiful example of what it means to be a mother, grandmother, and auntie. We will all miss her so very much.

Annie's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 10:00 am at Reflections of Life® Chapel of Reflections Funerals and Life Celebrations located at 2400 Washington St. NE, 87110. A private Service will be held due to the capacity limit. Annie will laid to rest at 1:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery located at 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe 87501.

Due to the Governor's COVID restrictions set in place masks are MANDATORY to attend Annie's Visitation, Service, and Burial. Reflections Funerals and Life Celebrations/Salazar Funeral Homes & Crematory has a capacity of 5 people allowed inside the funeral home at one time. We ask that attendees wait INSIDE of their vehicles until we are ready for the next group of 5 to come in. The Santa Fe National Cemetery is only allowed to have 5 people to be in the committal shelter and asks that all attendees practice social distancing.

Annie's Service and Burial will be live-streamed through Reflections' Facebook page. You do NOT need to have a Facebook account to view the live-streamed events. Please click the links below at the scheduled times.

Pallbearers will be Eric Montes, Anthony Archuleta, Ruth Candelaria, Aaron Gutierrez, Duane Archuleta and Oscar Esquivel.