Jose Montoya

JOSE T. MONTOYA, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2016, he was born to Juan and Amada Montoya on February 17, 1932. Tony, as he is known, is the last of all 15 children raised by his parents.
Tony grew up in Velarde, working on the farm that his family owned. They had fields, orchards and many farm animals that all families did at the time.
After graduating high school in 1950, he joined the Army and served from 1952 to 1954. This was his first experience away from the valley.
He came home and got married to Margie Naranjo on May 10, 1953. The two of them raised 8 children; Walter (Anna) Montoya, Dennis Montoya, Tina (James) Sandoval, Gene (Eileen) Montoya, Therese Moya, Karen (Carlos) Abeyta, Matthew Montoya and Anthony Montoya; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and many relatives that will truly miss him. He loved everyone deeply. His pride and great joy was watching how great all of them have become.
Tony was a deeply spiritual man. He went to daily mass and spent time on front of the blessed sacrament. He enjoyed the friendships he made throughout his years in Catholic ministries. He shared his life with many people.
He is remembered by all as a gentle, caring man who had a great sense of humor. Everyone who knew him, became his friend. He had a way of making that person he talked to as the most important at that moment.
Public visitation will begin on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Española with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A second rosary will be recited on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. also at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church with Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated immediately after at 10:00 a.m. Burial to be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Mario Pacheco, Ian and Jonathen Montoya, Paul Pacheco, Adrian Moya, Diego, Andres and Adam Montoya. The family of Jose T. Montoya has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

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