Tom Montoya

Tom Montoya Jr., 71, of Encino, NM died Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at his home. He was preceded in death by parents Tomas and Lucia Montoya of Encino. He is survived by his wife Caroline of Encino; 2 daughters, Annette Navarro and husband Richard of Albuquerque, Elaine Prickett and husband Dennis of Las Cruces, and one son, Philip Montoya of Encino; two sisters, Fanny Montoya of Encino; Mercedes Peña and husband Andy of Albuquerque; two grandchildren, Jennifer and Joseph Harrison of Albuquerque; two nephews, Chris and Bobby Peña of Albuquerque; one uncle, Susano Madril of Albuquerque; one aunt, Lena Montoya of Albuquerque, and a host of other relatives and friends. Tom was a graduate of Encino High School. He received a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Science from Highlands University. He was a teacher and school administrator for 29 years at the Encino School. He was a lifetime rancher in the Encino area, and a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church at Encino. He was also Vice-Chairman of the East Torrance Soil and Water Conservation District for a number of years. Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm Thursday, November 20, 2003 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church at Encino, NM. Funeral Mass will be held from the church on Friday, November 21, 2003 at 11:00 am, with Father Hoi Tran, Celebrant of the Mass. Assisting as pallbearers are Richard Navarro, Dennis Prickett, Andy Peña, Bobby Peña, Frank Davila, Charlie Anaya, Raymond Gallegos, Ernie Garcia. Honorary Pallbearers: Philip Montoya, Jennifer Harrison, Joseph Harrison, John Keiper, and Ben Rios. The family wishes to thank James Liebmann, MD of the New Mexico Oncology Center, the staff of the Oncology Wing of the Albuquerque Regional Hospital, and Leigh Knox, RN and the staff of VistaCare Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church c/o Ernie Garcia, Box 75 , Encino, NM 88321, or to the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation Research Fund, 4901 Lang NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 South Third Street; Santa Rosa, New Mexico. (505) 472-3369 www.chavezfuneralhome.com