Esther Maria Montgomery (Ortiz), 88, transitioned to her eternal life early Tuesday evening, October 07, 2025. She was born on July 04, 1937, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Luis and Anna Maria Ortiz (Nievez).

Esther married the love of her life, John Montgomery, on November 20, 1969, in Hawaii.  Esther was a supportive military spouse for more than 22 years. After their retirement in 1975, Esther and John settled in Dunkirk, Indiana. She was an active member of many fraternal and social organizations since the 1970s to include the Dunkirk American Legion Post #227, Moose Lodge 1352, and Elks Lodge #1776. She loved being with her family.

She is survived by three daughters, Christine Whittenburg (Robert), Muncie, and Rose Marie Fugate (Clayton), Fairfield, Ohio, and Mary Lynn Pearson (Kirk), Amissville, Virginia; two brothers, Thomas Maymi, Texas, and Elvis Maymi, Florida; fifteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great, great-grandchildren; and her treasured niece, Elsie Gallardo (Chato) (nephew Daniel, niece Valerie).

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother, and two sisters.

Cremation has been chosen. Parson Mortuary Cremation Center is entrusted with these arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Online condolences may be made to the family in the care of www.parsonmortuary.com