Gilbert J. Montano

Gilbert J. Montano, Sr., 76, of La Junta, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2009 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center. Private services will be held at a later date.
Gilbert was born on June 29, 1933 to Tony Martinez & Mary Tafoya in Maxwell, New Mexico. He married Simonita M. Sandoval on April 29, 1960 in La Junta, CO.
He was actively involved in the community with the Morning Side Heights and with the Golden Maple Villa Apartments. He loved fishing, hunting, playing the guitar and spending time with his family and whoever he came across.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Simonita of the La Junta home; children, Lorraine (Ernesto) Rubio of Garden City, KS; Gilbert Montano, Jr. of La Junta; Connie (Roy Paiz) Montano of La Junta; grandchildren, Deanna Martinez of Denver; Joanne Martinez, Alichia Mora, Anitra Montano, Ron Montano, & Amanda Montano all of La Junta; Ruben & Monica Rubio of Garden City, KS; 14 great-grandchildren; sibling, Ida (Max) Tafoya of La Junta; Dorothy (Jose) Soto of La Junta; Bobby (Jenny) Tafoya of Pueblo; Irene (Bensie) Garcia of Denver; Johnny (Ernestine) Vigil of Pueblo; god-children, Teresa Zubia & Howard Tafoya both of La Junta; special friends, Leo (Eloisa) Rocha of Swink; numerous nieces & nephews and many friends also survive. Preceded in death by his mother, Mary Tafoya; daughter, Marcella Montano; son, Danny Montano; sisters, Jessie Castanon, Mable Raso; brothers, Raymond Vigil & Cortie Tafoya;.
Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.