Juan Montoya

Juan Montoya, 87, of Evanston, WY passed away on February 8, 2026, in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones.

Born on April 18, 1938 in La Jara, New Mexico to Gomencinda Arguello and Miguel Montoya, Juan was the 2nd of four children, having two brothers and one sister. Juan met the love of his life, Patricia Munoz, a waitress at the New Paris Café in 1957. They married on April 25, 1959, and lived in Regan, Wyoming, Wasatch Utah, and eventually they settled in Evanston, Wyoming. They had three children together.

When Juan was a teenager, he began working as a laborer for the Union Pacific Railroad and eventually he worked his way to Section Foreman; an accomplishment he took great pride in. Juan eventually retired from UPRR on February 1, 1988, and continues to be celebrated by those who worked with, and for, him for his work ethic and his capacity to lead his crew.

Juan will be remembered for his strong faith, his devotion to his family, generous heart and contagious sense of humor. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, and his favorite pastime was spending time in the “hills” hiking, looking for rocks, looking at wildlife and enjoying the beautiful Wyoming scenery. He and his son Randy became much appreciated for their stunning photos of nature and wildlife. Juan was a social extrovert that made friends everywhere he went. He loved to bring joy to others, and he was well known for his world-famous hugs and welcoming spirit. Juan found tremendous joy in being around the people he loved. He was many people’s favorite person, including his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all of the “bonus” family members that he picked up along the way, a true testament to his never-ending capacity to love. To know Juan was to love him and to be loved by him!

Juan is survived by his son Randy Montoya (Bonnie Hood), his daughter Helen Montoya (Gary Griffith), his three grandchildren, Jamaica (James) Peoples, Maggie Montoya (Romulo Vega) and Spencer Montoya, his two great-grandsons, Malaki and Keaton Peoples, his sister Josie Montoya, his daughter-in-law, Delores Montoya (Michael), and his bonus family, Amy Ellis and Abi and Dawson Mejia.

Juan is preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia Montoya, his son Michael Montoya, his parents, Gomencinda Arguello and Miguel Montoya, his two brothers, Vivian and Joe Montoya, and his daughter-in-law Bonnie Hood (Randy).

Friends and family are welcome to share words, memories or stories at his service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Bear River State Park, a place near and dear to Juan’s heart.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, 1:00 pm at the Crandall Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm and again Friday from 12:00 till 12:45 pm also at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Evanston City Cemetery.