Esther M. Moncayo

The family of Esther M. Moncayo is deeply saddened to announce her passing on January 11, 2025. She was born on May 11, 1933, in Nixon County, Texas, to the late Santos L. Martinez and Guadalupe Guerra.

Esther was the second oldest of thirteen children. Raised in a hardworking migrant farming family, she spent much of her childhood moving from farm to farm. As the older sibling, she took on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings who could not work, often staying behind at the migrant camps. She lovingly cared for them and made fresh tortillas for the family every day.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Benny Moncayo, her parents, and her sisters Felicida, Elena, Vera, Emilia, as well as her brothers David, Jesse, and George.

Esther is survived by her daughters Kathy Moncayo, Rosemary Deever, and Barbara Garcia; son Roger Moncayo; sister Mary Lou Salinas; brothers Jimmy Martinez, Rudy Martinez, Tommy Martinez, and Little Rudy Martinez; and nine grandchildren: Christopher Burchett, Daniel Keel, Hollie Margarella, Elizabeth Moncayo-Williams, Stephanie Stucke, Desiree Goodman, Michael Cushing, Jessa Moncayo, Jarred Starr-Moncayo, Alec Hilgers, and Aubrey Hilgers and 11 great-grandchildren.

Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

A visitation for Esther will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, Arizona 85338. A funeral service will occur Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 926 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, Arizona 85338. A graveside service will occur Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 12:30 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 9925 W Thomas Road, Avondale, Arizona 85392.