Medardo Elizario “Allie” Montoya, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, in Tucson, Ariz. He was born on Nov. 14, 1938, in Dulce, N.M., to Santos B. Montoya and Zenaida V. Villareal Montoya.
A lifelong example of hard work, resilience and dedication to family, Allie spent his life building both a career and a legacy that will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Raised in Dulce, N.M., Allie attended the Spanish American Normal School in El Rito and later graduated from Dulce High School. From an early age, he developed the strong work ethic and straightforward nature that would define him throughout his life.
On April 20, 1960, he married the love of his life, Della Montoya. Together they built a home centered on family, faith and perseverance, raising their two sons, David and Marcus, with the same values of hard work, honesty and respect that guided their own lives. Their marriage lasted nearly 32 years until Della’s passing in February of 1992. Out of unwavering love and devotion to her memory, Allie never remarried.
Throughout his career, Allie worked in a variety of industries that helped shape communities across the Southwest. He worked for the San Juan Lumber Company, remaining there until its closure in 1983. He later worked for Tezak Construction, contributing to numerous highway construction projects and helping with the construction associated with the Dolores Project and McPhee-era Tunnel. He continued his career at the Chimney Rock Coal Mine until its closure in 1985, and later at the Lee Ranch Mine in Grants, N.M., where he worked until his retirement.
Outside of work, Allie found joy in the outdoors. He was an avid gun collector, fisherman and hunter — passions that provided him with countless hours of enjoyment and opportunities to share time with family and friends. Whether in the mountains, along a riverbank or telling stories about past adventures, he was happiest when surrounded by nature and those he cared about most.
Those who knew Allie best describe him as straightforward, honest and dependable. He was a man who believed in speaking plainly, working hard and standing by his word. His family admired his strength, determination and willingness to help others through both good times and difficult ones. Through his actions, he taught future generations the value of hard work, self-reliance, loyalty and perseverance.
Allie is survived by his sons, David (Jessica) Montoya and Marcus (Kimberly) Montoya; his beloved grandchildren, David Montoya Jr. and Joshua Montoya; and his siblings, Antonio Montoya, Leonila Montoya, Theodora Garcia, Rose McCrossen, Patricia Gould, Neoma McIntosh, Juan Montoya, Valdamar Montoya, Melisendro Montoya and Susie Montoya.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Della Montoya; his parents, Santos B. Montoya and Zenaida V. Villareal Montoya; and his siblings, Bernard Montoya, Cordelia Thompson, Dora May, Valdamar Montoya, Virginia Montoya, Geraldo Montoya and Joe Montoya.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Allie will be laid to rest at Hilltop Cemetery in Pagosa Springs, Colo.
Though he may be gone from our sight, his legacy lives on in the family he loved, the life he built and the values he passed down. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, his love of the outdoors and the honest, straightforward manner that earned him the respect of all who knew him.
Forever loved, forever remembered and forever missed.
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