Jose E. Montez

Jose Emilio Leo Montez, age 82 ½, and a lifelong resident of Ranchitos, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Wednesday April 11, 2012, at his primas casa in La Puebla, following a short illness. He was born on October 8, 1929 in Montrose, CO., the son of the late Getrudis Talachy Borrego. Also preceding him in death were his grandparents who raised him; Andres Avelino and Guadalupe Talachy, aunt Eulalia Borrego, uncles Faustin and Cornelio Talachy and Ramon E. Salazar. Most recently he was preceded in death by his only sister Lydia Lewis. Leo was raised in and around San Juan pueblo and the beautiful northern New Mexico mountains. He served in Korea for thirteen and a half months and was honorably discharged with the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars and the U.N Service Medal. Surviving him are his aunt Alberta T. Salazar, who was raised with him as a sister, brother in law Jack Lewis of Espanola, several nieces, nephews and many cousins and friends. A funeral service was held on Sunday April 15th, at Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola. A public visitation was also held the following day-Monday. Cremation took place after the services, and a committal service will be held at The Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday April 20th @ 1:30 p.m. with military honors. Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola, NM. 753-2288, toll free (800) 443-4854 www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com