|
Obituary: Karen E. Steria Montoya, 73
Published: June 24, 2026
By: Provided by Iseneker
Funeral Home
Karen Elaine
Steria Montoya
 Karen Elaine Steria Montoya was born on
April 26, 1953, at Lewis County General Hospital, the daughter of Wilbur
James Steria and Shirley Ann Nafziger Steria. She was the third of nine
children, growing up within the Mennonite community which shaped her
lifelong commitment to faith, service, and education.
Karen graduated
from Lowville Academy and Central School in 1971. She went on to study
Russian language at Albany State University, where she earned her
bachelor’s degree. Her academic pursuits reflected both her personal desire
to serve others and her dedication to connecting with people across
cultures.
Following her
studies, Karen began her career with the mission organization Slavic Gospel
Association. She served in Ostia, Italy, for three years as an English
teacher for Slavic-speaking individuals preparing to immigrate to the
United States. Her work during this time reflected both her passion for
teaching and compassion for Russian immigrant students.
Upon returning to
the United States, Karen moved to Seattle, Washington, where she worked for
the U.S. Department of Labor for six years. She later relocated to Chicago,
Illinois, where she returned to her work with the Slavic Gospel
Association. While attending a delegation celebrating the first millennium
of Christianity in Russia, Karen met her future husband, Arthur Montoya.
They were married and shared more than 35 years together.
After several
years in Chicago, Karen and Arthur moved to the Phoenix, Arizona area to be
closer to Arthur’s family and to pursue new opportunities. While there,
Karen furthered her education at Arizona State University, earning a
master’s degree in elementary education. She devoted herself to teaching English
as a Second Language and later taught K-6 grade, serving students in the
Phoenix area for 13 years before retiring.
Karen and Arthur
were members of Trinity Mennonite Church for 21 years. Her faith was a
central part of her life, and she was actively involved in service through
Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS). She traveled to Alaska and Idaho to
assist in rebuilding homes for those displaced by fires and floods,
offering her time and skills to help others in times of great need.
Karen will be
remembered for her lifelong dedication to teaching, her missionary spirit,
her quiet strength, and her deep compassion for people from all walks of
life. She lived a life marked by service, faith, and love for others.
She is survived
by her husband, Arthur Montoya; her mother; her siblings; and many extended
family members and friends who will cherish her memory.
As found in Matthew
25:21 , “Well done thou good and faithful servant”Top of FormBottom of Form
Funeral services
will be announced shortly.
Arrangements are
with Iseneker Funeral Home. Inc., Lowville, NY.
Condolences may
be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.
|
