Maria Erma Quintana

Maria Erma (Montoya) Quintana passed away peacefully in her home in Clinton, Utah on December 6, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones. Erma was born in Monera, New Mexico on March 28, 1941 to Jose David Montoya and Theodora Martinez Montoya. She was the second oldest of four children and is survived by two of her sisters, Leonillia Montoya Martinez and Rosie Montoya Farr. Her older sister, Lydia Montoya Ruiz, preceded her in death earlier in 2023. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and overall familial matriarch, and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Erma was married to the love of her life, Alberto Quintana, in September of 1961 and they shared 62 loving years together. They had two children, Michael George Quintana and Elizabeth Quintana Cerna. The family lived in California for a few years, but ultimately settled down in Utah to be near extended family.

Erma graduated from Ogden High School in 1960 and because she highly believed in furthering her education, earned a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University not long after. She was very proud of her time in higher education and remembered it fondly, often encouraging her children and grandchildren to continue learning whether that be through college, trade school, or in the workforce.

She started her career as a nurse's assistant at St. Benedict's Hospital in Ogden, Utah. She continued this career as an ER nurse in California. She was very proud to have been the nurse for the actor who played the Cisco Kid, who became a friend of hers. When she moved back to Utah, she decided to change her career and got her certificate in business administration. She then started working for United Savings and Western Mortgage. She loved working there and cultivated great friendships with her coworkers. She worked there for over 30 years until the business closed. She then decided to again change careers and got her dental administrative assistant certificate. She worked for Midtown Clinic in Ogden, Utah until she retired.

During retirement she loved to decorate, garden, thrift, and spend time with her family. She loved big holiday parties and hosting dinners. She had an incredible love for science-fiction and was a true Trekkie at heart. She attended as many sci-fi conventions as she could, often bringing along her children and grandchildren. Because Erma was a devout Catholic, she also spent much of her time at St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she and Albert were members for decades.

Erma is survived by her husband, Albert Quintana; her two children, Michael Quintana and Elizabeth Cerna; one daughter in-law, Kimberly Quintana; four grandchildren, Arieanne (Quintana) O’Connell (Elizabeth), Mathew Wauer (Elizabeth), Ariel Olson (Michael), and Gabrielle Quintana (Michael); and three great grandchildren, Jacobi Highfield, Belle Quast, and Killian O’Connell. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and older sister. Coming from a large family, Erma had a plethora of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews that all adored her, not to mention a vast group of friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.

Because Christmas was Erma’s favorite holiday, the family requests that those who wish to contribute flowers choose poinsettias to place around Erma during the service. The family would like to express their gratitude to all those who have shown their support during this difficult time.

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