In Loving Memory of Debra Ann Montoya

Debra Ann Montoya, 58, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026. She was born October 23, 1967, in Clayton, New Mexico, to Annie Montoya Sanchez and Johnny Sanchez.

Debra was truly one of a kind. With her beautiful red hair, infectious laugh, and wonderful sense of wonder, she had a way of leaving an impression wherever she went. Though small in stature, she had the spirit and might of a giant. She loved deeply, laughed freely, and brought a special energy to the lives of those around her. To so many who loved her, Debra was simply everyone's little sister.

She was also incredibly talented and creative. Debra could take something ordinary—or seemingly nothing at all—and turn it into something beautiful. She had a natural gift for decorating and design and could envision possibilities that others might never see. That creativity was simply part of who she was.

Debra grew up in Clayton, New Mexico, a place that remained an important part of her life and where many of her lifelong friendships began. She later made her home in Mesa, Arizona, where she built a life filled with family, friends, laughter, and countless cherished memories. She worked for Southwest Airlines and previously for Smith's Grocers, forming lasting friendships throughout the years.

Above all, Debra loved her family. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her father, Johnny Sanchez; her son, Johnathan Sturner, who was her pride and joy; her brother, Johnny Ray Sanchez and his wife, Lisa; and her sisters, Janet Vialpando and Annette Sisneros and her husband, Alfred.

She is also survived by her beloved nieces, Josette Bizet, Lynette Keeth, Candice Williams, Chantel Sanchez, Amaris Keeth, and Jaimie Bullington, each of whom held a special place in her heart; her nephews, Ricardo Sisneros and Matthew Sanchez; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Terrell Martinez, Thomas Davies, Timothy Davies, Shailee Keeth, Cole Keeth, and Brandy Keeth, as well as many cousins and extended family members whom she loved dearly.

Debra was preceded in death by her mother, Annie Sanchez; her brother-in-law, Larry Vialpando; and her special friend and coworker, Cindy Paz.

Friendship was another beautiful and important part of Debra's life. She remained close with cherished childhood friends Sue Latimer, Theresa Blan, Angela Montoya, Rhonda Aragon, Laura Pintor and Elaine Sanchez. The bonds they carried through the years were a testament to the kind of friendships Debra treasured. She also made many wonderful friends throughout her years in Arizona and maintained connections with those she loved back home in Clayton.

Debra leaves behind a life that cannot be measured simply by the years she lived, but by the people she loved and the memories she gave them. Those who knew her will remember the red hair, the laugh, the creativity, the mighty personality, and all the little things that made Debra unmistakably Debra. Most of all, they will remember how much she loved and how deeply she was loved in return.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Gene Sturner,(Jonathan's father) Lucy Martinez, Jerry Knippner, Lois Bridge, and Jenna Hendrickson for the compassion, love, friendship, and care they gave Debra. The family is also deeply grateful to Chris Montoya and family for always loving Debra as she loved them in return, and to the many friends and family members who surrounded her with love throughout her life. Your kindness to Debra will never be forgotten.