Jose Montoya

JOSE BENITO MONTOYA, 69, a resident of Lyden, passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Montoya; parents, Jose Ignacio and Carlota Montoya; sisters, Irene Lopez and Eufelia Valdez; brothers, Joe Jr., Jose F. and Arturo and brother-in-law, Rex Roybal. Benito was known for having a Pepsi in his hand and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.  He was a master gardener known for his chile. In his late teenage years, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country honorably as a member of the 101st Airborne Division with which he served a tour during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam in 68-69.  He was a recipient of the bronze star with an honorable discharge. He loved spending time with family especially his grandchildren.  He was a devoted Catholic and deeply involved with La Morada de San Jose de La Canova.  Mr. Montoya is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mildred; children, Frank (Maribel), Leslie, Benny (Stephanie), and Chase; grandchildren, Jason, Paetyn, Carlos, Megan, Rylee, Ava, Mateo, Lucas, and Diego; siblings, Hernando (Lorraine), Henry (Mary), Vicente (Louisa), Angie, Casey, Reyes, Elaine (Tony); sister-in-law, Mary; brother-in-law, Frutoso and many other relatives and friends. Public visitation will begin on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Peace of DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated on Monday, January 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Velarde. Burial to follow at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers; Adrian, Elmo, Perrez, Joey, Jimmy, and Leo. The family of Jose Benito Montoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477