Gloria M. (Montoya) Terrazas

Gloria M. Terrazas, age 79 of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday morning, July 3, 2023 at her home in Defiance.  
  
She was born in Eagle Pass, Texas on March 17, 1944 to the late Cresencio and Hortencia (Martinez) Montoya. On December 31, 1961 she married Pedro Terrazas, who survives. 
  
Gloria was an active and faithful member of Temple of Praise in Defiance. She helped to establish the food pantry and enjoyed her time spent volunteering in the food pantry. She served in the Women's Ministry and was a Deaconess of the church. Gloria enjoyed quilting and sewing, and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother, and will be remembered by many for her selfless service and strong connection to her church. 
  
Gloria will be sadly missed by her loving husband of 61 years, Pedro Terrazas of Defiance, four daughters; Sarah (Joel) Castillo and Valentina (Francisco J.) Castillo, all of Ft. Wayne, IN, Oralia Terrazas and Petrina Terrazas, both of Defiance, her son, Dennis J. Terrazas of Columbus, OH, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, her brother, Rey Montoya of New Braunfels, TX, and two sisters, Hortencia Lamberty of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Lydia Hurtado of Harlingen, TX. 
  
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sister, Oralia Flores, brother, Mario Montoya, and her nephew, Juan Carlos Montoya.
  
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, and on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Temple of Praise Church, with Rev. Ruben Laguna officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to Temple of Praise Food Pantry.