Sara Montoya, born May 22nd, 1964 in Matamoros and went to be with the Lord on August 10th, 2026 at the age of 62 years old, in Houston surrounded by loved ones. Sara lived a life with a firm foundation in faith, family, creativity, and a genuine love for people. Throughout the years, the many roles she held and the places life took her all reflected the same heart. A heart for serving others, sharing joy, and making lasting memories with those she cherished most.

Her heart for ministry was central to who she was. Alongside her husband, Javier, she served through Salt Inn Ministries, traveling on mission trips to Mexico where they helped feed and clothe children. Their desire to serve continued at Elim Church under Pastors Mark and Amanda McEwen, where Sara and Javier worked in children's ministry and taught Sunday school to fifth- and sixth-grade students. Ministry soon became a family calling as Sara, Javier, and their eldest daughter, Stacy, joined Blair Montgomery in Whole Family Ministries, traveling throughout the Houston area as guest speakers and worship leaders. Later, Sara and Javier served together as children's pastors at Southeast Worship Center under Senior Pastors Ruben and Minda Rodriguez. For Sara, ministry was never limited to Sundays. It was woven into the way she lived every day.

Sara was also wonderfully creative and entrepreneurial. She built a successful photography business, using her eye for beauty to capture moments and memories for others. That same creativity eventually led her back to floral design. She joined her sister, Minda, and together they poured their talents into creating something beautiful. Today those creative legacies live on through Sara's children in various forms as a lasting reminder that what she built continues through the family she loved so deeply.

Sara certainly knew how to enjoy life. She loved a good road trip and wasn't afraid to go wherever the road or an airplane might take her. She traveled to California with her niece, experienced New York with her granddaughter, ventured all the way to Japan to visit her daughter and son-in-law while he served in the United States Marine Corps, and traveled to Alaska to spend time with her in-laws. For Sara, the destination was only part of the adventure; what mattered most were the people beside her, the laughter along the way, and the memories they brought home.

That laughter was one of Sara's greatest gifts. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of bringing joy into a room, even during her most difficult moments. Even during her time in the hospital, Sara remained fully herself - cracking jokes with her doctors and finding reasons to make the people around her smile.

Sara's life cannot be measured simply by the places she traveled, the ministries she served, or the businesses she built. Her true story lives on in the lives she touched: the children she served, the congregations she encouraged, the beauty she created, the adventures she shared, and most of all, the family she loved. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, creativity, service, laughter, and love.

Sara's legacy will be carried on by her husband of 41 years, Javier Montoya, children Stacy, Javier, Andrew, Elissa, and Hannah, and eleven grandchildren Elaina, Aidan, Joshua, Nathan, Amelia, McKayla, James, Evalyn, Caleb, Colt, and Hadley.

The funeral service for Sara, will be held at 12:00am., Friday, August 21st, with visitation one hour prior to the service at Elim Church 3200 South Richey St. Houston, Texas 77017.