Karley Michelle Montes May 19, 1997 – July 5, 2014

Family and friends are invited to Karley’s viewing on Thursday, July 10, 2014, between 1:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., at Habing Family Funeral Home, 129 4th Street, Gilroy. For those wishing to send a remembrance in memory of Karley, a donation can be made to the JW House, 3850 E. Homestead Rd., Santa Clara, CA 95051 in lieu of flowers. Condolences can be made at www.HabingFamilyFuneralHome.com.
 Heaven welcomed a sweet and loving soul home on July 5, 2014. Karley Michelle Montes, 17, passed away after a brief but tough battle with a very rare and virulent form of brain cancer.
 Karley is the much-loved daughter of Jennifer Ledwell and Kristian Gooding of Gilroy, and Christopher and Candy Montes of Morgan Hill. She is the loving sister of Kayla Martinez of Gilroy and CJ and Julia Montes of Morgan Hill, granddaughter of Jim and Debbie Geiger of Gilroy and Mike and Diana Chamblin of Vallejo, and great granddaughter of Barbara Lenhart of Morgan Hill and Jim and June Geiger of Santa Clara. Karley is the niece of Kent Chamblin of Gilroy, Jimmy Geiger of Castro Valley, Amy Gooding, and Karie Geiger of Santa Clara, and is cousin to many.
 Karley’s beloved Aunt Lauren Geiger and her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Montes preceded her in passing.
 Karley was a graduate of South Valley Middle School in Gilroy and was completing her junior year at Christopher High School in Gilroy when she became ill.
 Karley excelled in sports. Gifted with tremendous natural athleticism, she enjoyed many athletic achievements, including becoming captain of the volleyball team at South Valley Middle School and earning a spot on the varsity wrestling team when she was only in the sixth grade. As a member of the school’s track team, Karley achieved numerous records and still holds a 3-year record for long distance shot put for girls. She was named the school’s Athlete of the Year in 2011.
 Later, as a high school student, Karley served as the South Valley Middle School assistant volleyball coach, under the direction of her mentor and close friend, Diane Bowlby. Karley previously swam for the Gilroy Gators Swim Team and played on the Cristopher High School golf team. She was asked by both the Water Polo and Football coaches at the high school to play for them.
 In addition to organized sports, Karley loved many outdoor activities such as camping, wake boarding, and boating, and she participated in several fun runs with her mother Jennifer, and grandmother Debbie. She was actively involved in the Gay/Straight Alliance at Christopher High School.
 Along with her family, Karley volunteered for many years at the Gilroy Garlic Festival. She was a former employee of the North Face outlet in Gilroy.
 Karley was regarded by her friends as a sweet, happy, funny, accepting, fun-loving girl with an upbeat attitude and a beautiful smile. She was viewed as a “big sister” and leader by many, and often provided a loving and strong shoulder for friends and family to lean on during life’s challenges. Karley was extremely genuine and kind-hearted.
 She left a positive imprint on everyone she met, and had an astute understanding of the world and human nature. Karley believed that life was special, and shouldn’t be taken for granted.