Jose Natalio Montoya

Jose Natalio Montoya passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 26, 2026.  He was born on July 3, 1929 in San Pablo, New Mexico to Tomas Montoya and Amalia Martinez.  He was raised by his grandmother, Natividad and his Tio Ligio Martinez.

            Over the course of his long hardworking life, Jose held many roles.  He worked as a shepherd in Wyoming, a lumberjack throughout New Mexico, and a produce distributor for Wester Brothers.  He later retired from New Mexico Highlands University where he worked as a boilerman and groundskeeper.

            Jose had a deep love for working with his hands.  Whether it was woodworking, masonry, mechanics, or gardening.  He took pride in everything he built and fixed.  He could easily be described as a jack of all trades and to those who knew and loved him, a master of most.  His adventurous spirit led him down many of New Mexico’s unbeaten paths, and he loved sharing stories from the life he lived along the way.

            He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Cesaria “Lala” Montoya and a half- brother, Ambrosio Montoya.  Jose is survived by his children:  Edward Motoya, Catherine Fleming, Isabel Montoya, Julia Alvino (Gennaro), and Amalia Maki; his longtime companion, Carmen Sena; his half-brother, Augustine Montoya; as well as 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren-, and two great-great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a life well lived, a legacy built through hard work and love, and a family who will carry his memory forward for generations to come.

            Cremation has already taken place and services will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church beginning with a rosary at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial.  The interment will follow in the catholic cemetery in San Pablo, New Mexico.

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