Andres Montoya

Andres Elisio Montoya, 76, a resident of Des Montes, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2020.  Andres was born on February 9, 1944 to Andres and Valentina Montoya.  Andres served in the Army and was stationed in Germany.  While in the Army, he continued his courtship with Bernice and married the love of his life in 1967.  Together they had two children, Andy and Melissa.  Andres was a great provider for his family, ensuring his wife, children and grandchildren were taken care of up to his final days. Andres touched the lives of many with his brilliant smile, the stories he shared, the jokes he told, his compassion and generosity.  He was a mentor to many, a jack of all trades and prided himself in his gift of welding and was sought out for his metal works.  A typical day for Andres after he had his morning coffee, involved him working in his garage from sun up to sundown.  His day would end with Bernice shouting at him to come in for dinner.  He worked hard and instilled this strong work ethic on his children.  He loved his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He was someone in the community that was dependable and always available to lend a helping hand. Some of his hobbies included hunting (camping with his buddies, the comradery), watching a good boxing match and then giving his personal analysis of the fight.  The chip of his hammer and the sparks and hum from his welder have become quiet.  His illness quieted the neighborhood and has left a void.  He will be greatly missed. Andres is preceded in death by his parents Andres and Valentina Montoya and sister, Andrea Starr. Andres is survived by his loving wife, Bernice and their children Andy Montoya (Magdalena) and Melissa Montoya (Ralph); grandchildren, Estevan Montoya (Zoë), Miguel Quintana, Andrica Quintana and Alissa Quintana, his siblings, Rose Molina (Samuel), Marty Bruce, Elva Pacheco, Eloyed Montoya (Frances), Nancy Segura, Julie Stearns, Thomas Montoya (Erlinda), Ramon Montoya, Frances Harrington (Dwayne), Lucy Lopez (Mark), Carolyn Pecina (Ezequiel), brother’s in-law, Roger and Arnold Vigil (Elaine) and sister in-law, Gladys (late uncle Hector); many nieces and nephews who he adored and were very close and dear to him, his loving relatives and cherished friends.

The family of Andres Elisio Montoya would like to give a special thank you and acknowledgment to the Hospice staff at Mountain Home Health for the care and compassion shown during this difficult time (Katherine, Dr. Schreiber, Rose, Severino, Mardee, Ann, Patrice – so many caregivers), Father Angelo Marquez and the community for their heartfelt condolences.   Private services will be held, and burial will take place at the Rael Cemetery in Arroyo Hondo. Please keep the entire Montoya family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of loss.  You may share some beautiful memories on his tribute wall so his loving family can read. The family of Andres Montoya has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019