John Reynaldo Montez, 73 years old. December 11, 1949 – April 21, 2023.
The almighty god wrapped his loving arms around “John” “Johnny Ray” “Ray” Montez and carried him home on Friday, April 21, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away. Ray was born on December 11, 1949 in Rock Springs, WY to John Montez Jr. and Josephine (Vigil).
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sisters, Anita Flores, Helen Martin and Gloria Tafoya. He is survived by his wife Josie of 52 years, sisters Theresa Chavez, Julia Hernandez and extended Garcia and Diaz family.
Ray’s love for his horses brought him many hours of enjoyment. Ray also had a great love for the outdoors and spent many hours with a fishing pole and Smith & Wesson. He was a unique artist in his own way by creating one of a kind picture frames out of barn wood. He created small sculptures of metal, was a woodworker and loved painting everything black and gold. He enjoyed collecting crystals and rock and arrowhead hunting. Ray loved watching a good old fashioned western movie, listening to Mexican music every day and always watching WWE wrestling.
He was a wonderful, giving, and caring person. He gave from his heart anything that anyone needed. Ray was so full of life, he was always so happy and cracking jokes no matter what kind of day he was having. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and having breakfast with his brother during the week. Ray had a loving and generous heart and would take the shirt off his back to help others.
Ray will be remembered for his heart of gold, undying love for his family, and his infectious smile and laughter that made you feel loved and cared for. Anyone who knew him knew he was an amazing and kindhearted person. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
A viewing and rosary service will be held at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home on Friday, May 5th. Viewing from 3-5p.m. and rosary will be held at 5:30p.m.
Mass will be at St. Paul’s Newman Center on Saturday, May 6th at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon to follow at St. Paul’s Newman center after mass. Mass will be live streamed for those who cannot attend at newmancenter.org/funerals
Graveside services with Military Honors will be Tuesday, August 29th at the Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie, WY.
Pallbearers: Alfred Garcia, Ben Hunke, Chris Mesa, Leonard Jr. Montez, Joseph A Montez (AKA Little man), David Sanchez and Santino Vialpando.
Honorary Pallbearers: Ricky Chavez, Bruno Flores, Mario Flores, Lee Montoya, and Danny Vasquez.
26 Comments To "John “Johnny Ray” “Ray” Montez"
#1 Comment By Janet On April 25, 2023 @ 1:39 pm
Ray will be missed such a good man and he was always Happy when I saw him. He was a great artist with his projects they are one of a kind and he was so proud of them. He loved sharing his stories.
#2 Comment By Anonymous On April 25, 2023 @ 6:42 pm
Jose’, Ray was a wonderful and talented craftsman, artist and outdoorsman. God will bless Ray, his friends will honor his friendship, his love of animals and his wonderful laugh. You are in our thoughts and prayers
#3 Comment By Rosemary Martinez On April 26, 2023 @ 8:33 am
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He was always a great friend to us. Sad for your loss Josie.
#4 Comment By Kevin Prahl On April 26, 2023 @ 3:46 pm
So sorry to see your gone, such a wonderful guy, always there for anyone, will miss you
#5 Comment By Anonymous On April 26, 2023 @ 4:56 pm
I will always remember Ray for his smiling face and kindness. I loved his little laughs and his silly jokes. He is a great loss for so many. My deepest condolences to all his family, friends and especially his wife , Josie. Take care, Josie. Rest easy, Ray. 🕊️🕯️🕯️🙏🏽♥️
#6 Comment By Anonymous On April 26, 2023 @ 7:35 pm
Sorry cousin Josie our prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. Sorry that we cannot be there but in spirit we will be there. Our prayers are with you all the time rest in peace cousin Ray.
Eddie and LouAnn Morales Las Vegas
#7 Comment By Joe Heide On April 26, 2023 @ 9:41 pm
So sorry to hear of Johnny Ray’s passing. I enjoyed working with him at UW. May you RIP my Military Brother🙏🙏🙏
#8 Comment By Angela Hoffer On April 27, 2023 @ 9:08 am
My love and prayers go out to the family . May god keep you in his loving embrace. He will truly be missed for he was such a kind soul.
#9 Comment By Jeff Owens On April 27, 2023 @ 10:50 am
My heart goes out to all of you, I always enjoyed working with Ray and learned a lot from him. The world was a better place because of him.
Jeff and Regina Owens
#10 Comment By Anthony Laugheed On April 27, 2023 @ 11:12 am
I’m so saddened by hearing about the loss of my primo Ray.. love and healing prayers my family during this difficult time… love you all… ❤️🙏✝️
#11 Comment By David Herring On April 27, 2023 @ 11:14 am
Ray was a very special friend that we hunted and fished with for over 45 years. Ray had a heart of gold, and he will be missed.
Dave and Minnie
#12 Comment By Jim Sanchez On April 27, 2023 @ 12:38 pm
Sorry to hear of your loss Josie , Ray was a very kind and thoughtful man , he was very talented and will be missed by many , our thoughts and prayers will be with you !
#13 Comment By Emiliano Morales Jr. On April 27, 2023 @ 3:02 pm
We are so sorry for your loss Josie, Ray will definitely be missed! Love and prayers being sent your way! Love always, Jr and family
#14 Comment By Kathy and George Montez On April 27, 2023 @ 3:32 pm
My heart goes out to Josie, Terry and Julie. Ray was not only my cousin, but my childhood buddy. We played together, hunted and fished. Ray never new the love of a mother growing up, but the love of his sisters and grandmother who raised him along with my Uncle John. May he be embraced by our heavenly blessed mother in heaven.
George Montez
#15 Comment By Pinky Johnson On April 27, 2023 @ 3:50 pm
I’m so sad to hear this, Josie. Ray was such a special man and loved by everyone. He touched this lives of many, and he will be missed by all.
#16 Comment By Loretta Walker On April 28, 2023 @ 6:33 am
Josie, I am sorry to hear about Ray. I enjoyed visiting with him and hearing about his latest project when he was in the office. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
#17 Comment By J R Sandoval On April 28, 2023 @ 7:02 am
Josie: So sorry to hear about Ray. I remember your love story from so many years ago. It is clear that his life was so well-lived., especially with you in his. Take special care.
#18 Comment By Michael Shingleton On April 28, 2023 @ 1:26 pm
Sorry to hear of Johnny Ray’s passing. Will miss his jokes and hunting stories. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Mike and Barb Shingleton.
#19 Comment By Jamie On April 28, 2023 @ 3:10 pm
My condolences to the Josie and family. Ray has a heart of gold! I’ll always forever be greatful, in the part him and Josie had in my grandmother’s life. And also very dear friends to my grandfather Lee. He will forever be missed… may his soul rest in Paradise forever and ever. Amen
#20 Comment By Mike and Phyllis Mesa On April 29, 2023 @ 7:11 am
Josie and Family….our most sincere condolences on your loss. Our memories of Ray are from our high school years and the earlier years on the Westside. We hold those memories dear to our heart. May he rest in peace and the memories and life that you had together be that which helps you through your grieving and healing of your loss.
#21 Comment By Ruby Sanchez and Jerri Garcia On April 29, 2023 @ 10:03 am
This hurts our hearts..so sorry for your loss Josie. Ray was one of the best! We will miss him.
#22 Comment By Cathy Moen On May 1, 2023 @ 9:55 am
Josie, I’m so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I think of him every Christmas when I set out the wooden nativity he made and you gifted to me years ago when we were both in Hoyt Hall. Please accept my condolences and take comfort in knowing he’s with his Almighty Father now.
#23 Comment By Paula Sanchez Peine On May 2, 2023 @ 3:09 am
Josie, I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Every time, I came home to Laramie, I would always look to over to your house and see Ray. I was greeted with a smile and a quick conversation of what’s been happening on the west side. Cedar street will not be the same with out his friendly smile, his helpful hand, and the goodies he would bring over to my moms. RIP Ray Ray.
#24 Comment By Joyce Hill On May 2, 2023 @ 12:46 pm
Josie, condolences to you and your family.
#25 Comment By ROD ARAGON On May 4, 2023 @ 6:07 am
RIP, RAY YOU WILL BE MISSED
#26 Comment By Arvin Martinez On May 9, 2023 @ 7:16 pm
Ray was a good friend and helped me with many plumbing projects. He alway’s was ready for my next adventure. May he rest in peace!