Karen E. S. Montoya

Obituary for 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".

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday June 30, 2026 at Lowville Mennonite Church.  A calling hour will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service, at the church.  Burial will follow at Croghan Mennonite Cemetery

Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home. Inc., Lowville, NY.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

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