Virginia T. Montez, 95

Virginia Montez, 95, of Pinehurst, Idaho, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Mountain Valley of Cascadia in Kellogg, Idaho, with her family by her side.  

She was born in Longmont, Colo., the first of 11 children to Felix and Lucy Roybal. She married Florentino Montez and was with him for 61 years, until his death in 2011. She grew up on farms in Billings, Mont., and attended Bible School in Texas. After their marriage, she and Florentino traveled and worked in many states until they settled in Pinehurst to raise their family. 

She worked in several places in Kellogg and found time to earn her business degree from North Idaho College. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was passionate about acrylic and oil painting, writing short stories, poems, gardening, working in her yard and shopping. Virginia enjoyed spending time and helping her husband plan and build houses. She will be remembered for being a fabulous cook and baker, especially her amazing tamales. One of her special loves was her dog, Pebbles. She was her constant companion who gave her much joy and happiness! 

Virginia was a member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters and the Good Grief Group.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Florentino, and siblings George, Bernard, Jerry, Malex, Simon, Anna, Mary, Josie and Eddie.  

Virginia is survived by her five children, Jesse (Karen) Montez of Renton, Wash.; Gloria Cocco of Laramie, Wyo.; Kathy (Steve) Gilseth of Kingston, Idaho; Linda Clanton of Spokane, Wash.; Connie (Bruce) Morris of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; and sister Fran Colman of Yakima, Wash.; 13 grandchildren, Joey, Christina, Jessaka, Jaylene, Lisa, Samantha, Jared, John, David, Alexandra, Francesca, Danielle, and Zachary; and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends.

Visitation for friends and family will be held Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, Idaho, where a Rosary Service will begin at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at 11 a.m., at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Kellogg, Idaho, with Father Jerome Montes officiating. Virginia will be interred next to her husband, Florentino, at Hunt Cemetery, Kingston, Idaho. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels or Shoshone Pet Rescue.

You may share memories of Virginia and messages of condolence online with her family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services of the Silver Valley is caring for the Montez family. 

    Montez