Michael Raymond Montoya, a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend was called to join his beloved mother Maria Elena in Heaven March 29, 2014. He is now at rest and peace with his Heavenly Father and is in his beloved mother's arms.
Michael was a loving, caring, and sharing free spirit. He loved being outdoors with the wind and sun on his face. Michael was a gentle, generous and giving soul who often gave of everything he had even if he had nothing left for himself. It did not matter whether it was family or a friend – he gave much of himself. That was his way. His sons and granddaughters will miss him dearly, because they were his world. His father will miss his morning coffee with him. His sisters will miss their big brother. He would tell his sons, "Never say you tried your best; you do your best." Michael's favorite prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. At a very young age Michael knew the value of hard work. He learned alongside his parents as they instilled in him that everyone works together to help themselves and others. His first job was selling newspapers then later worked at Maryann's Restaurant. After obtaining his HS Diploma, he attained certification required to work for Ilfeld Hardware & Furniture installing linoleum. Later, he attended Scott Diesel Truck Driving School and became CDL certified. He also worked at the Medite fiberboard plant in Las Vegas. After Medite he was employed as a Psych Tech at the Las Vegas Medical Center for 16 years. He was forced to retire from the Las Vegas Medical Center as a result of a work-related injury. Nevertheless, he enjoyed working at helping his friends and family to the extent his injury allowed. Michael was born to Carlos Montoya and the late Maria Elena Montoya on October 21, 1962. He was preceded in death by his mother Maria Elena Montoya in 2010, maternal grandparents Geronimo & Antonia Garduno, paternal grandparents Pedro & Isabelita Montoya. Uncles: Jerry Garduno in 1986, Pete Garduno in 1996, Leo Garduno in 2010, Gilbert Garduno in 2011, Bernardino Montoya, Edwardo Montoya and Juan Bautista Garduno. Aunts: Isabel G Chavez in 2008, Liria M Trujillo, and Edwina C Garduno, Marilla Gertrude Garduno and Beatriz Martinez Garduno. Cousins: Alvin Garduno, Denise Garduno, Pete Trujillo, George Trujillo, Jose Montoya & Ramon Montoya. Michael is survived by the mother of his children Anna Garcia.His sons Carlos (CJ) Montoya (Rita Raya), Steven Montoya (Brianna Lopez) & Raymond Montoya. Grandchildren: Peyton, Cierra & Alexis Montoya all of Las Vegas. Father, Carlos Montoya. Sisters Gloria L Gallegos (William), Ruby Lovato (Frank). Nephews & nieces: Trinidad W & Shanise E Gallegos, Charlene Lopez (Carlos), Eric-Lee & Roberta Lovato. Great-grand nephews & nieces; Andres, Reyes, MariaElena & Jayden. Also surviving are his uncles, aunts & their families: Ray Garduno (Andrea), Alice Gallegos (Donald), Viola Garduno, Antonio Garduno, Danny Garduno (Antonia), Edwina Gallegos, Joe Garduno, Roseann Trujillo & Rosemarie Garduno all of Las Vegas. Della Gonzales (Rosalio) of Arlington Texas, Lorraine Hernandez (Fred) of Pueblo Colorado, Patricia Garduno of Los Lunas. A very special Uncle Fermin Montoya (Sarah) of Denver Colorado. Also surviving are uncles: Manuel Chavez, Trinidad N Gallegos & Daniel Trujillo all of Las Vegas. Aunts: Emma Garduno of Thornton Colorado, Pricilla Montoya & Tomasita Montoya of Ojo Feliz; Emily Pacheco of Santa Fe ,NM and numerous cousins and dear friends. Services will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 7:00pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM. Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 9:00am also at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with Father Douglas Mitchell as Celebrant. Interment will follow at San Jose Cemetery in Las Vegas, NM with the following serving as Casket Bearers will be Carlos (CJ) Montoya, Johnny Trujillo, Raymond Montoya, Eric-Lee Lovato, Trinidad W. Gallegos and Joseph Garcia. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Steven Montoya. Anthony Baca and all his grandchildren.
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Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Las Vegas, NM. 1-800-479-3511 or 505-425-3511