Ernestina “Ernie” Montez Flores

Ernestina “Ernie” Montez Flores of Phoenix passed away peacefully on April 3, 2021 surrounded by family at the age of 94. She was born in Miami, Arizona to Guadalupe “Lupe” Nora and Jose Montez. Ernestina grew up in Miami until she married and moved to Ray Sonora, Arizona where her husband, Ricardo “Richard” Flores, worked in the Kennecott Mine. It was there where their first son was born. Upon Richard completing studies at ASU, all while still working in the mines at night, Ernie and Richard moved to Phoenix in 1960 and joined St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and lived in the neighborhood. Ernie was very active in the St. Thomas church and school of which her now 3 children attended. She was a member and leader in Our Lady’s Sodality, and with Richard, they were very active leaders in the Parish Youth Organization (PYO), and boys and girls scouting. Ernie often served as homeroom mother and assisted in the classroom. Ernie & Richard had a wide circle of work, parish, school, and neighborhood friends, including those from the old hometown areas from Miami, Superior & Kearny, of which they kept in close contact their whole lives. There would often be lively get togethers in their home for every milestone, holiday and for no particular occasion at all. Ernie was the ultimate hostess! Ernie & Richard loved to dance and would often break out in dance, right in the family room, when a favorite song was playing. They loved to play bridge as a couple, but after Richard’s untimely death in 1997, Ernie’s bridge ladies became her family. Ernestina was a beautiful woman known for her kindness, generosity, and her wonderful sense of fashion. She spread her embracing warmth and good cheer to all who crossed her path. Ernie was always so gracious, and her smile was infectious!

Ernie was a wonderful mother. She had a very gentle manner and was very dedicated, staying up until the last child came home no matter how late. She was a very popular mom in the neighborhood with her homemade tortillas and amazing baked creations. As a grandmother she was very hands on, loving and present. All of her 5 grandchildren revered her, and she completely loved them! She was also a very devout keeper of the faith. She attended daily mass at St. Thomas and spent an hour a day in dedicated prayer. She was always prepared to join our Lord, but prayed a daily intention to live long enough until her children were grown and on their own. She achieved that and more.

Ernie took great pride in her work as a special education teaching assistant in the Madison School District. She worked with children with Down Syndrome. Her students and families adored her and she felt the same way about them.

Ernie was preceded in death by her husband, Ricardo “Richard” Flores, and sons, Richard “Dick” Flores, and William “Chico” Flores. Also, her siblings Natalia Madrid, Carmen Monje, Lupe Norman and Robert. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Dries (Charlie) and grandchildren Elizabeth “Betsie”, Ellen “Ellie”, Charles “Chuck” and Richard Charles “RC” Dries. Also, granddaughter, Trina Flores Van Os (Eric) and their children, Coren and Melody Van Os, and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

While we mourn our loss, we rejoice and be glad in knowing that Ernie is with our Lord Savior Jesus Christ, where she is also reunited with Richard, Dick, Will and other loved ones. This is what she has wanted for a long time!

Visitation will be Friday, April 16, 2021 from 2:00-6:00pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 10:00am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2312 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix, with a burial at St. Francis Cemetery to follow. A Celebration of Life will be held at Carol and Charlie’s house immediately after the services. Please wear masks to the services. The Mass will be live streamed on the St. Thomas the Apostle website and a link to the mass will be put up on Carol’s Facebook page soon after. The family suggests donations to the St. Vincent de Paul. Condolences and Hugs from Home may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com