Samuel “Sammy” Montoya, 88, of Flagstaff died on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at the Loyalton Assisted Living under the care of his children and Hospice Compasses. Mr. Montoya was born on January 29, 1922 in Flagstaff to Atilano and Selfa (Sevedra) Montoya. Some of his first jobs were working as a Molder Operator and Grader. He entered into the U.S. Army in November, 1942 where his occupation was a laborer and attained the rank of Pfc. Quartermaster Corps and he was a qualified Sharpshooter. He served at Bismarck, Admirality Islands, New Guinea and the Philippines. His many decorations include a World War II Victory Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon with a bronze battle star and Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with three bronze battle stars. He was honorably discharged in July 1945. He continued to support the armed services by being an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1709 and the American Legion Post 3. Mr. Montoya was a well respected carpenter in Flagstaff for many decades. Mr. Montoya’s hobbies included fishing, hunting and woodworking. He loved listening to music, but country and Mexican music were his favorite. Overall his family was most important to his life. He is preceded in death by his wife Jennie Montoya in 1993, 2 sisters and 2 brothers. He is survived by his children Delano “Lonnie” Montoya of Flagstaff, Yolanda (Doug) Powell of Phoenix, 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and his brother Adrian (Grace) Jones of Mesa, along with numerous other relatives.
An evening vigil and holy rosary will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 7:00 pm with a funeral mass held on Monday, April 26, 2010 at 10:00 am, both held at St. Pius X Center, 2257 E. Cedar Ave. Following services, he will be laid to rest next to his wife, at Citizens Cemetery, 1300 S. San Francisco St. Veterans section. Veteran honors will be rendered by Sammy’s comrades and friends of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1709, American Legion Post 3, Marine Corps League, San Francisco Detachment 912, Scottish American Military Society Post 2000 and Military Order of Purple Heart, Dale E. Crick Post 793.
