Richard Anthony Montoya

            Richard Anthony Montoya Sr., a resident of Los Montoyas, a kind and loving father, husband, grandfather, son, brother, and friend went too his reward with the Lord on September 25, 2025.  Richard was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Joe and Annie Montoya.  He grew up in Santa Fe, eventually the family moved to Los Montoyas in the mid 70’s.  He graduated from West Las Vegas High School in 1977.  He worked a couple of jobs, ran his own gas station in Romeroville, and eventually started driving the school buses for West  Las Vegas and Santa Fe schools.

            In 1985 he met the person who would stand beside him for the rest of his life.  Richard and Janette were married on July 19, 1986 at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish.  They welcomed three children, Richard “Bunches” Jr. in 1987, Raymond in 1989, and Rachael in 1993.  While starting his family, Richard got his dream job working for the State at what is now called Community Based Services.  He started as maintenance worker in 1987 and worked his way up to Physical Plant Manager by the time he retired.  During his time there, many of his coworkers became a second family to Richard and his family.

            In 2001 Richard and Janette’s oldest son, Richard Jr. passed away suddenly shortly after he became disabled.  This was the time his faith became his strength.  Becoming that shepherd of his family, he joined the Knight’s of Columbus and made many friends there.  His children grew up and started families of their own.  Richard’s greatest joys were his grandchildren.  For the rest of his life he looked forward to any time he could spend with them.  One of Richard’s favorite pass times was to paint cars.  He had a Camero, and had so many ideas as to what it would look like when it was all done.

            Richard is survived by his mother, Annie Montoya of Los Montoyas; his wife of 39 years, Janette Montoya of the family home; his son Raymond Montoya (Kristine) of Los Montoyas; and Rachael Montoya (Lee) of Los Montoyas; brothers:   Paul Montoya of Los Montoyas, Leroy Montoya (Johna) of Los Montoyas, Chris Montoya (Sandra) of Peralta, John Montoya of Los Lunas, and a special brother-in-law, Daniel Encinias; his grandchildren:  Mateo Montoya (Jaylynn), Marissa  Montoya, Isaac Montoya, Christian Montoya, and Ricardo Villanueva.

            He was preceded in death by is son Richard Montoya Jr.; grand babies: Cielo Amor, Christiana Ariana, Mariana Daniela, Matthias Eligio, and several little ones who left this world too early to meet; his father, Joe E. Montoya, mother-in-law Sophie Encinias; brothers-in-law:  Robert and LeRoy Encinias.

            Cremation has already taken place. Services will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with a rosary on Thursday morning, October 16, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Rob Yaksich.  The interment will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Los Montoyas. Pallbearers will be Richard’s children and grandchildren.  Richard

will always be remembered as a man who had the love of Christ for his family.

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