Deborah Ann Montano, known to her loved ones as Deb, passed away peacefully on Oct. 19, 2021 from natural causes. She was 62 years old.
Deb was born in Superior, Az. on Aug. 18, 1959, to her loving parents, David and Verna Lira. She quickly emerged as a leader and was active throughout school and her community in Student Council, Rainbow and the Presbyterian Church of Superior. She was a talented musician, playing both the piano and flute, and played at many local, state and even nationwide events. One of her greatest achievements was being named Grand Arizona Flag Bearer in Rainbow.
After graduating from Superior High School, Deb went on to achieve both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Phoenix, while working full-time. She followed in her father’s footsteps, joining the copper mining industry.
She was praised by supervisors and peers for her stellar work ethic, striking intelligence and particularly her caring, loving nature. Deb made many lifelong friends in her years at Magma Copper Company, BHP, Phelps Dodge and Freeport McMoRan. While with Phelps Dodge, she was offered a senior controller position in Chicago; however, she was unable to accept the position as travel had become increasingly difficult for her due to a debilitating health issue. It was this that eventually forced her into early retirement.
One of the roles in life that gave her the most pride and joy was that of being a mother. Her daughter Aja was born to her in January of 1980, and her son David in March of 1988. She also considered her stepsons Isacc and Santiago “Jimmy” Montano her children, and opened her heart and home to them. Deb married David, Isacc and Jimmy’s father, Ildefonso “JR” Montano, and although they were divorced later in life, she remained close to her brothers and sisters in the Montano family.
Deb is survived by her parents David and Verna, her sisters Cheryl (Ruben) and Elaine (Charles), her daughter Aja (Josh), and her stepsons Isacc and Jimmy. She was preceded in death by her son David as well as her paternal grandparents Harry and Refugia “Cookie” Lira and maternal grandparents Otto and Cornelia Albert.
