Melvin Montoya

Melvin Montoya

March 23, 1950 – March 30, 2025

On Sunday March 30th, 2025, surrounded by loving family, our Lord called Melvin Montoya home.

Melvin was born on March 23rd, 1950, at St Mary’s Hospital to Samuel and Eufrasia Montoya.

He attended Hondo Public Schools and grew up in the Hondo Valley. He worked on multiple ranches before joining Rulon’s as a bartender. Melvin was known by all for his bartending skills where his wife, Diane frequently joined him. Melvin later joined Armstrong Construction mastering equipment operation. Later, he became the Road Foreman for the Chaves County Road Department famous for his Chip Seal crew. Melvin delighted in cultivating anyone that was eager to learn. He had extensive knowledge of every county road. Melvin retired after 26 years due to his health but wished he could have stayed longer.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3187 for 42 years and held many state and local positions during that time. He enjoyed raising monies for his charities. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge for 33 years, being part of the Moose International Ritual Team.

Whenever he had the chance, he did what he loved most, and that was hunting for the next big one with family and friends. He held a great love for his children, grandchildren and great children, and looked forward to taking them hunting and camping. He taught them many life skills that will forever be remembered.

He is survived by his devoted spouse Diane.

Daughter Cynthia (Ailbe) Skipworth along with their children: Lucas (Marissa) Moreno, Joshua (Maria) Archuleta, Gilliane (Jared) Krukow, Chelsey Skipworth and AJ Dickman. Their grandchildren, Vincent, Ava, Addyson, Abagail, and Gabriella, Joel, and Alissa.

Daughter Deborah (Michael) Sumruld along with their children: Travis (April) Sumruld, Amber (Michael) Bouldin, Jacob (Hannah) Sumruld. Their grandchildren: Ceslie, Bishop, Asher and expecting 2 more in the fall.

Son Brad (Kimberly) Archuleta along with their children: Kami (Noah) Fessler, Bailey Archuleta, and Abagail Archuleta. Their grandchildren, Giana and Jonah Fessler.

He also leaves behind a brother-in-law; Modesto Chavez along with nieces, a nephew and several cousins.

Preceding him are his parents, Samuel and Eufrasia Montoya as well as all his siblings. Samuel Jr, Joe, David, George and sister Ursula.

Special thanks to the medical team at Kymera Cancer Center, staff at MD Anderson-Houston and Enhabit Hospice for all the care they provided over the years. The pastors at Grace Community Church. And lastly Rita and Floyd Osbourn for all their support in so many ways to count.

He never met a stranger and was loved by so many.

Honorary Pallbearers: Mike Brainerd, Larry Torrez, Lindell Fulkerson, Larry Fresquez, Freddy Gomez, along with Brad Archuleta, Ailbe Skipworth, Michael Sumruld, Lucas Moreno, Travis Sumruld, Joshua Archuleta, Jacob Sumruld, and Bailey Archuleta.

Services will be held at Grace Community Church at 935 W. Mescalero; Roswell NM on Saturday April 12th at 11am. Family will receive guests at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, at 3201 S Sunset, Roswell, NM following the service.