She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family greatly.
Dora was the daughter of Santos B. Montoya and Zenaida Villareal, and she grew up as one of 18 children, learning the values of hard work and resilience early in life. She often reminisced about her childhood adventures on her family’s ranch. She had a high-security clearance working at the Los Alamos labs. On May 19, 1956, she married Rex Leonard May, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and as an Air Force wife, Dora traveled the world, welcoming children in Japan, Germany, France, and the United States.
Dora earned a post-high school education in business, which served her well throughout her life. She worked diligently in various roles, including owning Mays, Casey Jones, and the Popcorn Place with her husband when he retired from the Air Force. She also helped as a bookkeeper for several businesses. Her dedication to hard work extended to her work service for the State of Nebraska, where she worked in the foster children division. Dora loved to do everything fast, she held fond memories of her little red convertible sports car, and later in life her motorized scooter was always set at the fastest speed, complete with a license plate holder that stated: “You’re better off behind her, than in front of her”.
Dora’s faith was important in her life. She believed in Jesus Christ as her Savior and watched Catholic services on TV.
She was surrounded by love from her large family, including her surviving daughters and sons; Deborah Lynn (Gale) Huenink, Lisa Marie (Todd) Gerdes, Kevin (Connie) May, and Keith (Michele) May. Her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren made her proud and she cherished them all; Wendy Wright, Raymond Scott, Jr., Melissa Klassen, Virginia Bauers, Teresa Hauck, James Hauck, Brooklyn Morgan, Robert Walker Gerdes, Dylan May, Kellan May, and over 15 great-grandchildren.
Dora is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rex May; her son, Stuart May; and her daughters, Brenda Farrington, and Sharron Ann May.
Dora May will be remembered for her unwavering strength, blunt and straightforward thinking, deep love for family, and remarkable spirit, which touched the lives of so many.
Funeral Service will be held in Lincoln, Nebraska.2:00 pm Saturday, October 12th, at Roper & Son’s Funeral home 4300 O St.. Lincoln, Ne. Reception to follow.
To help keep Dora’s memory alive, the family would love any memories or stories you may have about Dora May to be sent to: doramaysfamily@gmail.com
In place of flowers, the family asks you to donate to the Air Force Assistance Fund, which supports Air Force families in need (from active duty, retired, dependents, and surviving spouses).
Air Force Assistance Fund
AFPC/DP3SA
550 C Street West
JBSA-Randolph TX, 78150