John Roy Montoya

"The epitaph on the grave of W.C. Fields is described: 'On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.' Well, he was wrong — it's much better here!"

My last day of life was April 12, 2026. There were no great achievements in my life. I never did pitch in the big leagues. My crowning glory was helping raise three great kids into three outstanding adults.

I was born in Bingham Canyon, Utah, to Adolfo and Catalina Lujan Montoya on June 24, 1932. Both preceded me in death, as did my oldest brother, Frank, and an infant brother and infant daughter. I graduated from Bingham High School in 1950, after which I served in the 45th Infantry Division in Korea.

I was particularly blessed being the youngest sibling and having a mother who devoted her entire life to nurturing and loving our family. After Dad died in a 1930 construction accident, I was fortunate to be guided, protected, taught, and mentored by my siblings — Frank, Claire, Benny, Edna, and Phil. They were all great.

If one were to ask, I would say that I was Catholic and considered myself such all my life. Some may argue that. At some point, I determined that the labels weren't very important. I do readily admit to being a proud, card carrying liberal and often wonder why everyone wasn't.

I married Ruby Martinez, later divorced. I married Glenna Peck Listul, who shared her six children with me.

Friends are welcome to an open house to celebrate my life at a future date to be announced.