Joe Ernie Montoya

JOE E. MONTOYA (Ernie), 78, a resident of La Mesilla, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ramona Montoya; brother, Louie Montoya; nephew, John Gonzales; and father-in-law, Auerlio Lopez.  Ernie was a Golden Eagle member of the FOE 3695, Espanola Corvette Club, he was an avid billiards player and loved to play at the Tropicana. He owned and trained racehorses. Ernie was truly a “man’s man” and a mentor to many. Ernie is survived by his wife, Lucille Montoya; children, Gina Montoya; Ernie Montoya Jr., Kenneth Montoya and  Ana-Lisa Montoya Torres and husband Ron; special grandson, Michael Torres; granddaughters, Danielle Provencio (Juan Carlos), Desiree Provencio (Daniel), Demi Olivas and DeNae Melvin; 3 step-grandchildren, Lauren, Matthew and Mercedes Torres, 5 great-grandchildren, Taryn, Kai, Joshua, Julius, and Izzy; sisters, Nancy Gilorteanu (Ion), Linda Miller (Chris), Denise Woodfill; special nephew and nieces, Louie Borrego, Nicole Okumu (Franklin), Marquita Howland, and DeMaurice Gonzales; mother-in-law, Frutoza Lopez; brothers and sisters-in-law,  Jake Lopez (Lisa), Jerry Lopez (Camilla), Lori Lopez (David), and Eddie Lopez (Janet), and many other cherished relatives and friends. Memorial Service will be held on Friday May 17, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sangre De Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home. A meal and celebration of Ernie’s like will be held after at the Inn at the Delta.  The family of Ernie Montoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley.