Virginia Montano Chacon's Obituary
Virginia Montano Chacon, 84 passed away on March 9, 2025, at her residence in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by her family. Born on May 1, 1940, in Salt Lake City to Genara Miera and Jacobo “Joe, Jake, or Jack” Montano, Virginia married Antonio Maria Chacon in Monticello, Utah. Together, they had six children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Although only 4'11" tall, Virginia was larger than life—a towering presence at the center of her family’s world. Her voice reverberated through every room, often calling her signature chisme: “Guess who died? Guess who got married? Jita, you’ll never guess what happened to me!”
Virginia’s life was weathered with harsh realities that never broke her. She spent years working tirelessly in hospitals, not only laboring but also advocating for immigrant workers who didn’t speak English. Her hands, often cut and bandaged, toiled to fight for her family, cook for them, and build a better future. She found purpose in overcoming hardships, including the heartache of burying her children and grandchildren. She often said, “God will bless me when I die”.
Known for her untamed tongue, Virginia spoke her mind. Whether delivering a verbal slap or a hilarious tale, her words left an impression. Many who came to say goodbye on her deathbed shared memories of her care: “Your mom fed me, housed me, and then set me straight with her words.”
Virginia was the youngest of many siblings and raised in a tradition where one child stayed home to care for the family. She cooked, cleaned, and cared for her mother, Genara. She would always remind us: “I made stacks and stacks of tortillas!” Defying her mother’s wishes, Virginia married Antonio at 21. Though their formal marriage lasted three years, their bond endured a lifetime until Antonio’s passing last year. Dad left a huge hole in her heart that would never heal.
Virginia was a vibrant and fiery spirit—dancing to Mexican Ranchera music, enjoying an occasional beer, and cleaning her house. She was either dancing with the broom or hitting you with it (and if she hit you with it, it’s probably a sure thing you deserved it!). Her last requests before slipping into a coma were to go dancing, ensure her family was okay, and ask if her house was clean.
Despite little formal education (not knowing how to read!) Virginia built a life of incredible achievement. She paid off her home, managed a budget, and provided for others. Her brilliance shone through her ability to make something out of nothing, whether stretching meals to feed many or bargain-hunting at yard sales and dollar stores. She encouraged her children to pursue education, saying she didn’t want them to struggle as she did. She’d remind the children: “Do you want to clean toilets the rest of your life like me?”
Virginia lived by values of service and love. She cared for her children, grandchildren, and others who came into her life. Her home was a hub of bustling activity: a blend of a blaring TV, Mexican and Motown music, sizzling noises and smells of the kitchen, animals barking, sounds of the freeway that sat behind our home, people talking loudly over one another.
In her later years, Virginia remained youthful in spirit. She loved wearing bling, bold outfits, and even sexy dresses. Her shirt might hang off of the shoulder or be a little too shear at times! Her presence was unparalleled, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. She leaves her family with a legacy of strength, hope, service and deep love for all. We vow to continue her example.We love you mom/grandma so deeply, and will cherish the infinite memories you left us.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Tony/Lisa (children: Anthony, Marissah, Ernie, Marques, Matthew); the late Gina (children: Monique, Michael, Vanessa/Patricio, Gino, Ryan, Auriana, Tiauna); Dominique/Marco (children: Antonia, Alonso); the late Ernesto (son: Jessie); Ruby/“yes mom, still with that guy” (son: Orion); Melody/Gilbert (children: Ragina/Carlos, Destiny/Mike, Felicia/the late Chito, the late Orlando, Aundrea/Dillon). She is also survived by her beloved pets: Guero, Opi, Princess (Spunky), and Cactus.
She is preceded in death by her children Gina Chacon Genova (4/28/1965–10/8/2006) and Ernesto Chacon (2/2/1969–10/13/2004); her grandson Orlando Chacon (7/20/1993–9/28/1996); and her husband Antonio Chacon (2/26/1937–2/8/2024).
Come share your memories:
Viewing: Sunday, March 16, 2025, 6–8 p.m. at Neil O’Donnell Funeral Home, 372 E. 100 S., Salt Lake City, UT.
Burial: Monday, March 17, 2025, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1205 E. Fifth Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT (the east end next to the office).
Luncheon: Monday, March 17, 2025, 12:30 p.m. at Mi Ranchito, 3600 S. State Street, Salt Lake City, UT.
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?
