Hernando Montoya Obituary
Hernando Montoya, of Abiquiú, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Hernando found peace in the mountains and joy in life’s simple pleasures — especially during his time camping, fishing, and on his annual hunting trips. After many dedicated years with The Zia Company in Los Alamos, he enjoyed his retirement tending to his garden, alfalfa field, and the flowers he loved to grow. Blessed with a green thumb, Hernando took great pride in sharing his homegrown green chile with family and friends. He cherished time spent with those he loved, always ready with a good story and a cold root beer in hand.
He was born on May 10, 1937, in Velarde, NM, to the late Jose Ignacio and Carlota Montoya.
Hernando was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lorraine; his first wife, Grace; siblings Jose F. Montoya, Benito Montoya, and Jose I. Montoya Jr.; sister Irene Lopez; brother-in-law Jose Frutoso Lopez; and sisters-in-law Teodorita Garcia and Rose Vigil.
Hernando is survived by his children: Jose Ortega (Michelle Padilla), Joyce Ortega-Tapia (John Tapia), Vangie Trujillo (Donald), and Josephine Ortega (David Bustos). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Erika, Lorraine, Candyce, and David (Celina) Bustos; Katrina (Chris Martinez) and Fabian Trujillo; Esperanza Ortega-Tapia, Jose Jr., and Mikaela Ortega, and Mikayla Padilla —and his great-grandchildren: Kristiana, Khristian, and Kameron Martinez, Kenadee Raye Bustos, Zeke Bustos, and Parker Romero.
He is further survived by his siblings Henry (Mary), Vicente (Louisa), Angie (Joe), Casey, Reyes, and Elaine (Tony); as well as his sisters-in-law Mary Montoya, Bernadette Williams (Ernest), and brother-in-law Filimon Garcia.
He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his many loving relatives and friends.
The family of Hernando Montoya has entrusted the care of their beloved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.
Services are pending.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
623 North Railroad Ave, Española, NM 87532
People and places connected with Hernando
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Hernando Montoya
Tell your own story about Hernando
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Hernando Montoya's name
How to support Hernando's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Hernando Montoya's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
