Paul Knute Montoya, Sr.

Paul Knute Montoya, Sr. was born on May 1, 1931 in Santa Fe, NM, to Severiano and Ella Montoya of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, formerly San Juan Pueblo. Paul was a very kind, devoted, loving family man. He provided a strong and wise foundation, having taught the importance of faith, family, hard work and pride. He encouraged his family to be a force for good in the world.

As a young man he was a drummer, was athletic and traveled the world. He was patriotic; he enlisted in the Air Force on August 19, 1948, and was honorably discharged November 30, 1952. While serving during the Korean War, he earned medals for sharpshooting. He was injured while transporting blood and plasma during the Korean War, but recovered from severe injuries. He attended the University of Albuquerque and went on to work for the federal government for 28 years as an accountant.

He was a very talented artist; his works portrayed his Pueblo and Navajo heritage. He loved animals, having kept horses as a young man, and had dogs throughout his life. During his later years, he adopted his dog Buster, a devoted companion.

Raised Catholic, he believed in God our creator. Paul's legacy is his family and all the good works he did in this life. Paul’s message to family and friends is “don't be sad, I lived a full life. I have gone to rest with our father in heaven."

He is survived by sons, Paul K. Montoya, Jr. and wife, Ramona, and Michael Montoya and wife, Rose; daughters, Valerie Montoya and husband, Edward Ramoth, and Ella McComas and husband, Don; grandsons, Paul Michael Montoya and wife, Steph, and Gene Montoya and wife, Jessica; granddaughters, Christy Montoya and husband, Richard Montgomery, and Amy Montoya; great-granddaughters, Sophia Montoya, Izabella Montoya and Lexi Baca; brother-in-law, Ramos Sanchez; and many nieces, nephews and close family friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lupe Montoya; and siblings, Mary Lemons, Felix Montoya, Mae Naranjo, Sonny Montoya, Gertrude Sanchez and Gene Montoya.

A Rosary will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019, 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122