She was one of the eldest of thirteen children born to Adelaido and Adelaida Torres Manzanares. She was born January 12, 1945 in Monticello, Utah and later raised by her step-father, Juan Vijil.  Connie helped raise her siblings, which consisted of two sets of twins.  In her later years, she raised her grandchildren and also a set of twin grandchildren.  Her life revolved around family; and she told everyone that her children were her pride and joy.

On January 7, 1967, she married the love of her life and constant companion, Joe L. Montoya, Jr., at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church in Price.  Connie and Joe were blessed with two children, Tony and Teresa.  Connie was happiest while cooking for her family and making sure everyone had plenty to eat. She was an excellent cook who loved sharing her chili, tortillas, tamales, enchiladas and Bizcochito’s.  Her favorite thing was dunking cookies in coffee with her “Peco.”

Connie was a longtime resident of Carbon County. Member of Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church where she devoted her life to the Virgin Mary and prayed the rosary daily.  She shared a deep love for the outdoors.  Her favorite pastimes were camping, hunting, fishing, bowling and going to Wendover with her husband.  She was a tireless worker, who always made sure her home was spotless.  Connie could never sit down and she was constantly cooking, cleaning, caring for her grandchildren and making sure everything was perfect. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her granddaughter Jaylan for the wonderful care she provided for her “Little Grandma Connie” and to Rocky Mountain Hospice and the Home Health Aides.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Montoya, Price; son, Joseph A. “Tony” Montoya (Laurie), Herriman; daughter, Teresa Marie “T” (John) Leautaud, Price; nine grandchildren, Anthony, Marcus (Hailey), Jadyn, Madysen, Kameron, JonL (Dante), Jani (Isaiah), Jaylan and Jace; siblings, Margie, Judy (Juan), Raymond, Deland and Michelle (Laurie); many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Berned “Junior,” Juanita, Elizabeth “Buggy,” Dennis “Chato,” Paul and Lorraine.

Funeral Mass, Friday, September 2, 2022, 10:00 a.m., Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church.  Vigil service, Thursday, evening 7:00 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home.  Family will receive friends at Mitchell’s Thursday and Friday one hour prior to services.  Committal service, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper.  Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net