Richard Montoya

Richard Montoya, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on December 5, 2025, after a short illness. He was born on November 16, 1948, in Embudo, New Mexico and grew up in Truchas, New Mexico, the fourth child and first son of Nabor and Delmiria Montoya.

Richard grew up in the mountains of Northern New Mexico, where he learned the values of hard work, resilience, and family. He carried those lessons throughout his life, embodying the rugged yet gentle spirit of the land he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nabor and Delmiria Montoya; his grandson, Derrick Joshua Montoya; his sisters, Esther Montoya and Viola Barela; his brother-in-law, Darryl Barela; and his nephews, Nathaniel and Adam Montoya.

Richard is survived by his sons, Eric (Delubina) Montoya and Gary (Joanna) Montoya; his daughters, Rachel (Chance) Lucero-Rogers and Angela Montoya; four granddaughters, Kayla (Nicole), Aniesah, Emberli, and Alexandria; five grandsons, Dion (Danah), Justin, Fabian (Brianna), Ivan, and Jacob; and one great-granddaughter, Miah Grace. He also leaves behind his sister, Floraida (Harold) Martinez, with whom he shared a special closeness, his brother, Elizardo (Martina) Montoya, and the Mother of his two sons, Marie O. Martinez. Richard’s extended family includes seven nieces—Andrea, Roberta, Antionette, Roxanne, Lisa, Karen, Jennifer, and Kimberly—and one nephew, Ted, along with numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Richard was one of a kind, he lived authentically and unapologetically. He loved working the land, tending livestock, and especially raising horses. He lived large, loved deeply, and marched to the beat of his own drum—raising horses and raising a little cane along the way.

His legacy is one of strength, kindness, and joy. Richard Montoya will be remembered not only for the life he lived but for the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the spirit he carried.

A Rosary and Celebration of Life for Richard will be held at DeVargas Funeral Home on Friday, January 9th, 2026, at 11:00 AM with a meal to follow at the Hernandez Community Center.

The family of Richard Montoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505-747-7477