Carlos Montoya, age 81, passed away at Christus St. Vincent Hospital surrounded by family on July 6, 2024.

Carlos was born January 13, 1943, to the late Pedro and Isabelita H. Montoya in Wagon Mound, NM and lived in Lucero (near Rainsville, NM). Soon after he was born, his family moved to Ojo Feliz, NM where he grew in his early years. Coming from a ranching family, he learned to be a hard worker and provider which gave him a foundation to seek better opportunities and appreciate life's many blessings. In later moving to Las Vegas, NM he met his beautiful wife of 47 years Maria Elena Garduno and was blessed with three children.

Carlos was a beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother, Godfather, Uncle, cousin and friend to many. Our father was a loving and caring man who always opened his doors to his family and aided friends in need. Welcoming all into his home for morning cafecito y platicar de lo nuevo y del pasado. He had a passion for restoring old cars and enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time with those he loved. He enjoyed travelling to visit family and loved his Saturday drives to El Santuario. He was a hard worker with good work ethic - working for a time at Monte Vista, CO, working as mechanic for 14 years at Arts Dodge in Las Vegas, operating several laundromats and finishing his career as the Maintenance Supervisor of 39 years at Enchanted Hills Trailer Park. He was blessed and happy to retire at 75. He would always make time for his family and friends, was a mentor and always helped everyone not expecting anything in return.

Carlos is preceded in death by his wife Maria Elena G. Montoya, son Michael Montoya, grandsons Carlos J Montoya and Raymond Montoya. grandparents Teodolo and Julianita Hernandez, sister Liria "Lydia" M. Trujillo (Daniel), brothers Fermin Montoya (Sarah) and Bernardino Montoya, uncle and aunt Eduardito & Tomasita and sons Jose and Ramon Montoya, father-in-law Geronimo and mother-in-law Antonia Garduno, son-in-law Frank Lovato, brother-in-law's; Jerry Garduno, Pete Garduno(Marilla), Leo Garduno, Gilbert Garduno, Joe Garduno, infant Juan Bautista Garduno sister-in-law's; Isabel Chavez(Manuel), Beatriz Garduno, infant Edwina C. Garduno, nephews; Pete Trujillo George Trujillo and Paul Garduno, niece Denise Garduno, God children- Alvin Garduno and Judi Gallegos

He is survived by his daughter Gloria Gallegos(WillIe)- grand-children Trinidad W Gallegos, Shanise Gallegos and great-granddaughter Amaliah and a baby on the way; daughter Ruby Lovato -grand-children Charlene Lopez (Carlos), Eric-Lee F. Lovato(Victoria), Roberta Montoya(Reyes), great-grandchildren- Andres, Reyes, MariaElena, Jayden, Amadeo and Frankie; grandson Steven Montoya(daughters Peyton and Alexis) and great-granddaughter Cierra Montoya. Also surviving him are his brother-in-law's- Ray Garduno(Andrea), Danny Garduno (Antonia), Antonio Garduno of Las Vegas sister-in-law's; Elma Garduno of Thorton, Colorado, Alice Gallegos (Donald), Marie "Viola" Garduno, Edwina Garduno of Las Vegas, Della Gonzales(Rosalio) of Arlington, Texas, Patricia Garduno of Los Lunas, Lorraine Hernandez (Fred) of Pueblo, Colorado, Rose Mary and Roseann Garduno of Las Vegas. Pricilla Montoya of Ojo Feliz and with many nephews, nieces and cousins of the Montoya/Hernandez and Garduno families.

Rosary services will be conducted at Our Lady of Sorrows on Thursday July 11, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass: Friday July 12, 2024 at 9:00 am with Father Rob Yaksich as celebrant.

Burial to follow at the San Jose Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers : Joseph Chavez, Pete Rivera, Martin Gonzales, John Baca, Timothy Gallegos, Dennis Garduno, Johnny Trujillo and Adam Estrada. Honorary pallbearers: John Griego, David Garduno, and grandchildren.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 87701 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.