Oscar M. Montoya

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Oscar M. Montoya, 70, a cherished husband, devoted father, tata, respected educator, and steadfast minister of the gospel. Oscar M. Montoya was unexpectedly called home to be with Jesus on June 17, 2024.

Born on July 30, 1953, in Morenci, Arizona, to Luis A Montoya (deceased Dec. 1997) and Gregoria M Montoya (deceased Dec. 1979), Oscar M Montoya was not just a respected minister and educator but also a loving husband and father. He shared 50 blessed years of marriage with his beloved wife, Emily “Molly” Montoya. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and enduring faith, providing a nurturing environment for their two children, Oscar (Manny) Montoya, Tucson, AZ (spouse Cara Montoya), and Mark A Montoya, Pittsford, MI (spouse Stacey Montoya), and a proud tata to his two grandchildren, Tobie and Chloe. His presence will forever be felt in the cherished memories and values he imparted to each family member.

Oscar M Montoya dedicated his life to serving others with compassion, humility, and wisdom as an educator and minister. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in 1978, he embarked on a lifelong journey in education, shaping countless young minds. Teaching in Tuba City, AZ, Douglas, AZ, and retiring from the Nogales Unified School District in Nogales, AZ in 2012, and continued to teach part-time for Alta Vista High School until 2023. While he loved teaching, his joy and passion came from devoting his heart, mind, and soul to sharing God’s word with others. Oscar M Montoya led church congregations in Flagstaff, AZ, Douglas, AZ, Tucson, AZ, and Nogales, AZ, and was most recently traveling as an evangelist supporting churches nationwide. His sermons were a source of comfort and inspiration, reflecting God’s grace and mercy on his life.

In his leisure time, Oscar M Montoya found immense joy in spending time with his family, especially his two beloved grandchildren. He was an avid reader, finding solace and inspiration in the written Word. He also enjoyed the outdoors including biking, hiking, and fishing, activities that brought him closer to nature and filled his heart with joy. Oscar M Montoya also found joy in the simple pleasures of life such as a cup of coffee in the morning with a pan dulce. He fostered connections with friends and loved ones with his genuine warmth and generous spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him, leaving an indelible mark on all who crossed his path.

Though we mourn his sudden departure, we take solace in knowing that he is rejoicing in heaven at this very moment dancing “the Oscar jig” with new glorified body no longer slowed down with broken legs, and body. In his last moments of life, he woke up, prayed, and took his last bike ride in the beautiful Tucson Mountains.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8.

A celebration of Oscar M. Montoya’s life will be held at Door Church 2950 E. Irvington Rd., Tucson, Arizona, on Friday, June 28th, at 10 a.m. Family, friends, and all those touched by him will gather to honor his memory and share stories of his remarkable life.

“You only have peace when you have peace with God.” – Oscar M Montoya .