Regina Marie (Montes) Wood, 65, of Rancho Santa Margarita, passed away on March 20, 2026.

Regina was born on October 1, 1960, in Bakersfield, California, to Frances and Victor Montes.

Regina spent her early childhood in Bakersfield before relocating with her mother and three sisters to Santa Ana at the age of 10. She later moved to Tustin, where she graduated from Tustin High School and remained a proud Tiller throughout her life.

Regina found her passion working with adults and students with developmental disabilities, dedicating over 30 years to supporting and enriching the lives of those she cared for. While working in group homes and supported living, she found great joy in planning enjoyable activities for her clients. Some of her favorites included the Temecula Hot Air Balloon Festival, air shows where she loved watching the Blue Angels, county fairs, cruises, and even simple beach days.

Regina retired from the Orange County Department of Education after 28 years, where she worked with students and young adults, leaving a lasting impact through her compassion and dedication.

In recent years, Regina found great joy in attending and serving at Saddleback Church. She co-led at Celebrate Recovery, where she built many meaningful friendships. Regina loved to worship Jesus and took every opportunity to share His word with others.

Regina will be remembered for her silly personality, kind heart, and many talents, including her love for cooking and gardening. Most of all, she will be remembered for her deep love for her family, friends, and her faith in Jesus Christ. Her family also hopes she will be remembered for the courage, strength, and positivity she demonstrated throughout her recent medical challenges.

She cherished time spent with family, no matter how big or small the occasion, especially the time she shared with her grandchildren, who meant everything to her. Regina's happiest moments were often spent cooking, gardening, enjoying live music, dancing, roasting hot dogs around a campfire, taking road trips, spending days at the beach or pool, attending church events, visiting family in Bakersfield, and enjoying long weekends with friends.

No matter where she was or what she was doing, Regina had a gift for connecting with others. If there were people around, she was making friends and having a good time.

Regina is survived by her mother, Frances Montes; her son, Ryan Lyle Wood; her daughter, Avery Jayne Valencia; her granddaughters, Jasmine and Julia; her grandson Luca Dean Denembo; her sisters, Corrine Iida, Jennifer Millan, Monique Angel; and brother, Guy Montes. She was preceded in death by her father Victor Montes.

A memorial service and celebration of life honoring Regina will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Saddleback Church.

Regina will be missed beyond words, yet we rejoice that she is now in the Lord's loving presence.