David Ray Montoya

*Per family request the rosary has been postponed until Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 9:30 AM.* David Ray Montoya passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Roswell, New Mexico. Please take a moment to share a kind thought or memory with David's family at www.andersonbethany.com. Services will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, beginning with visitation at 9:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. and a rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home, located at 2609 South Main Street in Roswell, New Mexico. The family will arrange and announce the interment at a later date for those who would like to be present. On September 20, 1980, David Ray was born to Jim and Paula Montoya in Roswell, where he attended school at Chisum Elementary, Mt View Middle, and Roswell High School. He was not only wise but also blessed with many other talents beginning at a very young age. David discovered his love for music and was a talented young performer, starting his performances at home for his family and friends, popping out from behind the curtains as we echoed 'Here's David!' it was in the same manner that Johnny Carson would come out on stage. Even at the age of 3, he knew that was what he was good at because he had everyone's attention. His first public performance was at the age of 9, singing at the top of his lungs the song "Angel Baby," which he learned word for word from his sister, who spent days practicing to perfection. After that, with each performance, David fell more in love with singing and continued performing. He was our baby brother, with the voice of an angel, and indeed a gift from God! David continued to sing and was invited to sing for several city celebrations, singing alongside Bobby Villegas, a local musician, and mariachi, who continuously encouraged David to pursue his talents. David was being recognized and encouraged by everyone he met, including the director of the Roswell Folklorico, Frank Herrera. Frank invited David to sing for one of the recitals, and soon after that performance, David joined the dance group. He was dancing and singing to his heart's content and loved every minute of it. He danced for several years into his early 20s. He made so very many special, long-lasting friendships and made memories that he has always held close to his heart and treasured. While attending Roswell High, David always did exceptionally well in his studies. He was even invited to visit the White House. David was our go-to IT connection, our encyclopedia, our dictionary, and seemed to have all the answers at any given time, sometimes more than we wanted to know. He loved learning and reading about everything under the sun. He was our brainiac with a song in his heart. It was no surprise to us when David joined the choir at Roswell High; he was also a member of a group called the Roadrunners and Cyettes, which comprised of a few chosen choir members who also performed throughout the city. They spent countless hours performing together and had become very close. David loved high school and his choir group so much that after high school, he and a few of his choir buddies formed their own group called 'Zia Harmonies,' specializing in Val o grams, birthdays, and other special occasions, serenading special moments for each occasion. The relationships he made while doing what he loved are a tribute to the man he was and was to become. He knew that God had blessed him, and he used every opportunity to shine, even when he made mistakes. He knew that God was his salvation. David's infectious smile, his outgoing personality, his humor, and his genuine love of everyone are his legacy. David radiated love from his soul. In 2006, David gave his entire heart to Jesus and was baptized and dedicated as a faithful disciple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Following his baptism, David traveled to Canada and began his Missionary training. He served his mission in Montreal, Trois Rivieres, and Mont Saint Hillaire in Quebec, Canada, where he served alongside his elders and other missionaries from around the world, all with the purpose of serving God. David had grown in his faith so much that it was exuding from his very being. We believe that he was put on earth to share the word of our lord Jesus Christ, and he did. He began teaching and leading his family in Prayer as often as he could. During the pandemic, David led his family from near and far through daily virtual prayer meetings. David's unwavering desire to serve God as a faithful disciple was evident in everyone whose life he touched. David's journey through life was not always easy, though, especially after his illness. Still, he continued to strive for God's purpose for him. With God's grace and mercy, David completed his studies, graduating with honors as an undergraduate in medical billing and coding. Considering David's health, he never gave in; he persevered and was employed by United Health Care until his most recent affliction. David excelled in everything he did, and this was no different. He accomplished what he had in his heart and pushed through every obstacle he faced with a smile and the knowledge that God had a plan for him. May God's perpetual light shine forever upon his soul. "We love you more, David." Those left to eternally treasure and cherish memories of David Ray are his mother, Paula Montoya; his brother, Jimmy Joe Montoya, and his sisters, Lisa Montoya and Gina Montoya; his nieces and nephews, Christy Montoya, Julia Montoya, Jennifer Briggs, and Ryan Montoya. Great nephews: Nathanyal Bargas, TJ Chavez, Sean Montoya (who was also his godson), Robert Garcia, Stefan Montoya, Everette Briggs, Connor Briggs, and Marshall Briggs. Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive David, and not to be forgotten, David's best friends Nathan Cobb, Latisha Boyd, and Gracie Fresquez. David is preceded in death by his father, Jim Montoya, Paternal grandparents Filimon and Manuelita Montoya, Maternal grandparents Steve and Julianita Bachicha, and his best buddy, C'lo. Blessed to be chosen as honorary pallbearers are Ryan Montoya, Nathanyal Bargas, and Sean Montoya. His uncles Steve Bachicha Jr., Aldolfo (Kiki) Bachicha, Salvador Bachicha and Filimon Montoya II. The family of David Ray wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who continually called, visited, and prayed with us and with David, as well as his many lifelong friends for sharing their memories and their love for him during this most difficult time.

David Ray Montoya

September 20, 1980 - January 10, 2025