VALENTINE MONTOYA,
57, a resident of La Mesilla, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2009 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous 20 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Valentine was preceded in death by his special niece, Sarabeth A. Montoya; maternal grandparents, Elias and Aurelia Martinez; paternal grandparents, Enrique and Sara Montoya; father-in-law, Joe V. Gurule as well as other aunts, uncles, relatives and friends. Valentine was an avid hunter, golfer, basketball player and was fiercely loyal to his many friends. For many years, he worked on building his home. He was a member of the Cofradia de Santisima Trinidad de Santa Cruz. While we mourn his passing, we are filled with happiness knowing that he is now free in the presence of the Creator. Mr. Montoya is survived by his wife, Ernestine; children, Joaquin, Maria Lucia and Raphael Montoya; parents, Jose B. and Rose A. Montoya all of La Mesilla; mother-in-law, Carmelita Q. Gurule of Cuarteles; sisters and brothers, JoAnn Martel and family, Janet Morgan and family, Amy and Dennis Vigil and family, Nelson and Delfinia Montoya and family and Sam and Debbie Montoya and family; brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Michelle Gurule and family, Ben Gurule and family, Tim and Patricia Gurule and family, Thomas and Margie Gurule and family, Olivia and Benny Sandoval and family and Ymelda and Lenny Roybal and family as well as many other relatives and friends. Public visitation was Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 7:15 p.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada with a rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. also at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada. Burial followed at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Matt Sisneros, Michael Montoya, Richard Roybal, Eric Hoak, Jerry Mascareñas, Ronnie Abrams, Tomas Garcia, and Orlando Coriz. Honorary pallbearers named are, Wilfred Herrera, all his brothers-in-law, Rafael Maldonado, Jimmy Romero, Dr. Donald Hassamer, Henry Trujillo and all other nephews and nieces. The Montoya family has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477 or www.devargasfuneral.com