Ramon N. Montano

1946-2019 Ramon "Ray" Montano, age 73, passed away on his 73rd birthday, January 10, 2019. He served in the National Guard and had a long career in construction. Ray was a hard worker with a strong work ethic. He enjoyed classic country and Spanish music. Ray played the guitar and piano and loved to sing. He loved a good game of Scrabble and the casino. He enjoyed watching basketball and football. He loved gardening and for quite a few years he planted green chili. Ray had recently raised chickens which he considered his "CHICKS". He really enjoyed this hobby. His favorite thing to do in his later years was to spend time with his children and grandchildren. We were fortunate to spend this past Christmas all together as we always did. Ray always looked forward to having all of us together at his house. His eyes lit up and his smile beamed as everyone opened gifts around him. He was so proud of us all and even more of his grandchildren. And of course, his grandchildren couldn't wait to hang out with grandpa, aka "Gpa" as Joseph and Anthony called him. Ray had a special bond with each of them. He is preceded in death by his father, Hermelindo Montano and mother, Felipita Montano; sister, Antonia Gonzales; brother, Robert Montano and sister, Polly Montano. Ray is survived by his wife of 51 and 1/2 years, Elizaida Gonzales Montano; daughters, Jennifer Montano & Joseph Arellanes, Diane (Julian) Mares, Eileen (Fred) Sanchez; sons, Mike (Lupe) Montano and David (Jenny) Montano; grandchildren, Carlos, Julian, Ruben, Joseph, Aislynn, Anthony, Dominic, Elijah, Jeremiah, Sierra and Alec and a great-granddaughter Izabella; brothers, Ned (Isabel) Montano, Joe Montano & Mary Dodge, Steve (Patsy) Montano; sisters, Flora Montano and Judy (John) Padilla and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are grandsons: Carlos, Julian, Ruben, Joseph, Alec, Anthony, Dominic and Elijah. Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren Aislynn, Sierra and Jeremiah. Ray will always be remembered and loved by many friends, co-workers and especially family. Everyone looked up to him and admired him. His infectious smile and sense of humor will be missed by all. As his favorite country duo Roy Rogers and Dale Evans sang "Happy trails to you, til we meet again!" All Services will take place at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Peralta, NM, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, beginning with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM and a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery. Please sign Ramon’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM

Ramon N. Montano

January 10, 1946 - January 10, 2019