Carlos - Age 87 - Española - Montaño

Carlos Baltasar Montaño, 87, resident of Española, died at home on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. He was born to Martiniano and Librada Montaño on July 26, 1926 in Cebolla. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Orlando, and his sister Genevieve. Mr. Montaño is survived by his wife of 27 years, Ardith Lehnerz Montaño; grandson, Mitchell Alberty at home; his brother, Ramon Montaño and his family; step-children, Michael and Teri Paulone of Fishers, IN, Donald and Joy Lehnerz of Fishers, IN, Tim and Nancy Lehnerz of Parker, CO, Larry and Kathy Lehnerz of Denver, CO, and Tina Lehnerz of Albuquerque, 14 grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carlos grew up in the Cebolla/Conifer area. He lost his hearing at the age of 7. He attended New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa Fe where he learned life and vocational skills. He was hired to work in the donut shop for the summer. His two deaf friends and he rented a house near the donut shop in which they paid 12 dollars a month. He eventually returned home that year to help on the ranch. He then had an invitation from a cousin to visit in Denver. The train ride to Denver turned out to be his last transport and he settled in working at a donut shop. He spent several years at various jobs before he was hired by Shwayder Trunk, which later became Samsonite Luggage, Inc., where there were many deaf employees. Their break times were full of flying hands. He retired at the age of 62 after working there for 35 years. Carlos was very active in deaf community groups, bowling teams, and baseball teams. He remembered the times of going to different national tournaments with the deaf teams. He also loved fishing and camping. Carlos was very involved in churches. He helped along with a deaf group in Denver when they petitioned the Archbishop for a priest for the deaf. That was when Father Tom Coyte was introduced to the deaf community and began serving them. Carlos, along with his sister Genevieve, met Don and Ardith Lehnerz's family at the church where Genevieve interpreted when the Lehnerz family was learning sign language. Don and Ardith had two deaf children. The Lehnerz family of four children thrived in the deaf church community. Later, Don and Ardith adopted a deaf child, Tina. The three deaf children went to the school for the deaf in Colorado Springs. The Lehnerz family eventually became very involved in the deaf community. In 1986, Don died from a heart attack in January, and Carlos's sister, Genevieve died from cancer in February. Carlos and Ardith shared grieving, and they had many things in common: fishing, camping, and families! They married on July 20, 1987 in Denver by Father Tom Coyte. They have enjoyed watching the children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. They loved many good friends. They had an active and loving life together for many years. Carlos's first stroke in 2010 made them slow down and smell the flowers, and appreciate God's daily gifts. Services have taken place. The family of Carlos Montaño has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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