Prospero S. Montoya

Prospero S. Montoya passed away in the early morning hours of April 25, 2020. He was born in Monticello, New Mexico on September 27, 1918, and was 101 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, one sister and his beloved wife, Agnes. He is survived by his four children, Priscilla (Ed), James, Ernest and Hubert as well as eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter: Aurora. He is also survived by his sister, Ofelia (Alex) Ramos, sisters-in-law Nasaria Montoya and Jennie Montoya, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Prospero S. Montoya was an honorable man. He loved God, his wife and family and his country. He was kind and always gave unconditional love. His early beginnings were in farming and ranching in Monticello, New Mexico. He was the second oldest son and he and his older brother were given enormous responsibilities. Working many long hours didn't allow for too much free time and practically no childhood. And because of this he grew up with a strong work ethic, working hard all of his life. Life was not easy. Serving in the U.S. Army came afterwards. He was one of "the Greatest Generation" that served our country during World War II. He suffered much during that time and never complained of all that he faced throughout. He never talked about it until many years later, and that is when we learned what he had gone through, contracting malaria and dysentery. After being sliced by a sharp fence while on lookout he bled profusely and it took many stitches. Many other incidents occurred between him and the enemy and it took a special man to get through it all with the iron-like courage that he embodied. When he came back from the war, he courted and married Agnes, whom he referred to as "The Best". He built many pieces of furniture and later homes with his bare hands and very few tools. Fancier tools were not available at that time. Life was hard but he and his young bride were tougher and they worked well together as a team. They had a daughter whom they both cherished. She was "Daddy's Little Girl" and went everywhere with him. They created a special bond. Soon after, he and Agnes had three sons. He loved them all and was proud of them for their uniqueness. Later, he worked at Kirtland Air Force Base from which he retired after 30 years of loving his job. Retirement came and he and Agnes were ready to slow down, relax and enjoy life together. They were ecstatic at the birth of their first grandchild. Soon many more grandchildren came. Life was good for many years as the children and grandchildren were in good health, growing and thriving. Then, in the late 1990's, he was shattered because Agnes had to be in a nursing home. He was at her side all day and all night every day. He truly took his marriage vows seriously. They were a team. After Agnes died, he was never the same. His spark (Agnes) had left his side and his life. He took some joy later in exercise by dancing at the Senior Citizens Center where he made many good friends. On his birthday in 2019 he was honored by a proclamation from mayor Tim Keller that was delivered by councilor Pat Davis naming September 27, 2019 as Prospero S. Montoya Day in the City of Albuquerque. He was so happy about that and we could all feel that it lifted his spirits as his health was declining and he was not able to attend many more dances. He left this world to join his wife, Agnes. We will all miss him. We will have all the memories that we shared with him to soften our grief. He was an amazing man, the best father, and grandfather, and a good example of what it takes to succeed. His motto was: "Work hard and mind your own business" which we will all take to heart. Thank you for your hard work, strength and above all your overwhelming abundance of love which you gave to all of us. We will never forget you and will find comfort as we imagine how happy you must be to be reunited once again after all these years with "The Best" (Agnes) as you dance together to your favorite tunes played by your cousins (the Bourquet Brothers). We wish to thank Lovelace Hospital. Our thanks also go out to Corus Hospice for without your help things would have been more difficult. Our Heartfelt thanks as well, go to a very special person, Dr. Jorge Sedas, whose care and concern for both of our parents will never be forgotten. You are indeed a credit to your profession and a good man. Private burial was held. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements Entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 764-9663