Charlie Montoya

Charles W. "Charlie" Montoya, 71, a lifelong resident of Rawlins, passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 6, 2018. He was born on Apr. 16, 1946, in Rawlins to parents, Ralph and Mary Montoya. He attended schools in Rawlins and on May 28, 1966, he married the love of his life, Sylvia Cruz. On Aug. 27, 1966, they welcomed their first child, Michele, followed by Andrea on Apr. 16, 1968, Charlie's birthday. On Dec. 23, 1969, their first and only son, Charles Paul, came into their lives. Charlie was a devoted father and grandfather who always had his kid's and grandkid's best interests at heart. Charlie was self-employed for most of his life and was an accomplished and avid pool player. He once captained a championship team for 25 consecutive years in addition to winning several team state championships and an individual state championship. In 1965 and 1966, Charlie was also a Golden Gloves State Champion boxer. His greatest love of life, however, was spending time with his family, whether it was at a family wedding or camping trip. Charlie hosted annual camping trips for both his immediate and extended family, that often included many of his beloved in-laws, the Cruz family. These trips created long-lasting and cherished memories. Charlie is survived by his wife, Sylvia; daughters, Michele (Mike) Montoya and Andrea (Monte) Thayer; son, Chuck; grandchildren, Jessica and Jordan Thayer and Sydney, Jason and Olivia Montoya; great-grandson, Tayvon Snider; siblings, Rose (Rubel) Muniz, Lori (Andy) Jaramillo, Vitalia Hall, Shirley Johanson, Patsy Montoya, Eva (John) Sanchez, Ernie Montoya and Leo Montoya; and six brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law of the Cruz family. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mary Montoya; brothers, Roger Medina, Rudy Sanchez, Floyd Montoya and Arthur Montoya; and sisters, Emma Ortiz and Nancy Martinez. Charlie will be deeply missed by all of his family and certainly remembered by all of his friends and pool playing brotherhood. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Sat. Feb. 10, 2018 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Father Sam Hayes will be the Celebrant.

Service

Saturday, February 10, 2018 10:00am

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

207 W. Pine

RAWLINS, WY