Linda Grace Howes Montano, our beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 24th, 2022, in Salt Lake City. She was born in Murray, Utah, on May 20th, 1963, to Carol Howes Royall and Van Howes. She married Arthur Montano on September 2nd, 1989, and had one child, Jordan Montano.
Linda grew up in Holladay, Utah, with her two brothers, Tony and Mike. From an early age, she loved horseback riding, and as a child, her father bought her first horse, Trixie. As she learned to ride, she started barrel racing horses and was even able to ride in the Murray City parade. Tony and Mike were also important in her childhood, becoming not only friends but important father figures for Linda.
As she got older, she met her best friend, Art. They met dancing and realized their bond was inseparable. They loved sharing the joy of life’s early challenges. In Sandy, they bought and renovated their first home together. They quickly became friends with all the neighbors, were friends with the local scouts, and served the LDS community. They also had their only child, Jordan, whom they both loved and cherished.
Linda and her family moved to Draper, designing their second home together, where they hosted many Christmas and pool parties. While in Draper, her love for horses came back into her life. Art and Jordan learned how to ride, which became a considerable part of their lives. In addition to horses, Linda and her family had several other pets: dogs, cats, and even a few fish.
Later in life, Linda and Art moved downtown to Salt Lake. At this time, Linda faced many new health challenges, but they didn’t stop her from enjoying the city, making new memories, and spending time with her family and her latest dog, Ollie. As her health challenges progressed, she fought courageously, exercised faith, and found peace knowing her Heavenly Father loved her.
Linda is survived by her husband Art, her son Jordan, and her brother Tony. She was preceded in death by her brother Mike, her mother Carol, and her father Van. Per her wishes, a memorial of her life will be held on Friday, October 7th at 12:00 pm at Le Jardin (The Chateau greenhouse) at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1910 E Dimple Dell Rd Sandy, UT 84092. Friends and family may gather 1 hour prior. More information is at www.lindagracemontano.com, where you can share photos you might have of her, donate to her funeral, or contact the family. You may watch the recorded service online through Zoom using the following link:
So sorry to hear the news of Linda's passing, the Silva family sends our condolences.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family. Heaven has a new Angel now, and her name is Linda. May she find healing, peace and happiness for all eternity. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy abounds. Tim & Cindy Romero
3-4 days? Omg, I didn't realize the time frame was so small...I guess I always assumed she would just charge through these obstacles as she always had in the past. Her strength has always been awe inspiring, I've never known anyone who has this level of courage, she has always stood up to every challenge like a boss! I always wished I had even half the strength she does, it's just amazing....
If for some reason I am not able to tell her how much I love her & what our Friendship/Sisterhood has meant to me over the last "forever" years, please read this to her (but leave out the tears that cannot stop falling down my face). It seems as though we have known each other for more years than humanly possible, my dearest friend. You & I were destined to become Best Friends, I knew it from the very minute I met you that you would be someone I could not live without. I saw your Golden Heart, your Sweet Grace & your Beautiful Spirit immediately & I knew you could teach me so much of what you possessed that I did not... We made the perfect pair, and everyone who ever saw us together knew it! There will never be another quite like you, my friend. No one could ever mean more to me than you do, it's just impossible. The enormous space you reside in my heart will forever be yours, and you will never be forgotten, for that too would be impossible. How could anyone ever measure up to my Sister? There's just no way....
There's a song by Led Zeppelin, it's my favorite & the lyrics have always meant so much to me, it's only now that I understand why that is.....They go like this:
If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you...
When mountains crumble to the sea,
there will still be you & me....
Little drops of rain, whisper of the pain,
Tears of loves lost in the days gone by..
My love is strong, there is no wrong,
Together we shall go until we die...
Inspirations' what you are to me, Inspiration, look & see..
And so today, my world smiles, your hand in mine we walk the miles...
Thanks to you, my will is done, You for me are the only one.
I love you my dearest Sister, you will always be a part of me no matter where, no matter what. I will not say Goodbye, I will take you with me wherever I may go.
Be at peace with the knowledge that I've been the luckiest person on earth for having you grace my life & giving me the honor of being your Bestest Friend Ever...
Until I see you again... ❤