MONTOYA, Samuel (Sammy)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Friday, April 23, 2010 Samuel "Sammy" Montoya, 88, of Flagstaff, died April 20, 2010, at Loyalton Assisted Living under the care of his children and Hospice Compassus. He was born Jan. 29, 1922, in Flagstaff, to Atilano and Selfa (Sevedra) Montoya. Some of his first jobs included working as a molder operator and grader. He entered into the U.S. Army in November 1942, where he was a laborer; he 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. His hobbies included fishing, hunting and woodworking. He loved listening to music, but country and Mexican music were his favorites. Overall, his family was most important to his life. Mr. Montoya is survived by his children, Delano "Lonnie" Montoya of Flagstaff and Yolanda (Doug) Powell of Phoenix; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother Adrian (Grace) Jones of Mesa; and numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie Montoya, in 1993; two sisters; and two brothers. An evening vigil and holy rosary will be Sunday at 7 p.m., with a funeral Mass on Monday at 10 a.m., both held at St. Pius X Center, 2257 E. Cedar Ave. Following services, he will be buried next to his wife at Citizens Cemetery, 1300 S. San Francisco St., in the veterans section. Veteran honors will be rendered by his 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. Condolences may be sent directly to the family or to Condolences@Lozanos-FlagstaffMortuary.com. Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary, a Veterans Funeral Care exclusive provider, is handling the arrangements.