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MONTOYA -- Ben Montoya, born March 17, 1920 in Taos, NM, to Jose Vidal and Zoraida Vigil Montoya. Our loving husband, father and grandfather passed away March 16, 2007 at Laurel Heights, age 86, one day short of his 87th birthday. He was preceded in death by son Benjamin Montoya; sisters Lydia, Celia and Claudina; brothers Ernesto, Eli, Jose and Rudolpho; and step-daughter Jeanene Cottrill. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mary E. O'Kelley Montoya; son Ruben Montoya and wife Patty; two daughters Dorothy Sisneros and husband Arthur, and Rita Montoya; granddaughter/daughter Kelsie Cottrill. Only surviving brother Horacio Montoya and wife Loyola. Former wife Rumalda Montoya, mother of his children, residing in Arlington, TX. And last, but not least, his K9 friend, Pearl. Surviving grandchildren are Jeffery Avila and wife Rose, Christopher Avila, Robert M. Montoya and Angela M. Montoya. Surviving great grandchildren are Dilon and Mikel Avila. Surviving step grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Nathan Banac and wife Elizabeth, PFC Michael Cottrill Jr., currently on active duty US Army in Iraq, wife Jamie, Christopher Cottrill, Aaron, Ethan, Miranda, Ashley and Whitney. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and brother, and sister-in-laws. His military service included the 200th CA mobilized for active duty on January 6, 1941 and 200th CA unit landed in Philippine Islands on September 20, 1941 and fought until captured during the fall of Bataan with his brother Horacio, also an ex-POW. His military decorations and citations include Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Distinguished Unit Citation, American Defense Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Philippine Defense Ribbon, Liberation of Philippines (awarded by the Philippine Army) and the American Ex-Prisoners of War Medal. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, followed by a --Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, Edith and Lomas, with Rev. Robert B. Woodruff officiating. Pallbearers will be Victor Montoya, Adrian Montoya, Jeffery Avila, Christopher Avila, Robert M. Montoya, and Arthur Sisneros. Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to Second Presbyterian Church, 812 Lomas Blvd., NE, Albq., NM 87102. Special thanks to the staff of Laurel Heights Healthcare and Amber Care Hospice for their devoted care to Ben. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500
        Published on: Sun March 18, 2007