Ralph Paul Montoya

Ralph Montoya, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those who cherished him.

Born on August 4, 1956, to Gilbert and Ermelinda Montoya, Ralph was a hardworking man with an infectious spirit, a quick wit, and a personality impossible to overlook. With his ginger hair and freckles, his family often joked that Ralph was the original Canelo—spicy, fiery, and never afraid to let people know exactly what he thought.

Ralph proudly retired from Union Pacific after dedicating many years to his career. He took great pride in his work, his family, his friendships, and living life on his own terms. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, taking walks with his brother, having lunches with his sister and niece, attending the occasional car show, watching football, and simply enjoying life.

Ralph was funny, quick-witted, mischievous, and truly the life of the party. There was rarely a dull moment when he was around. He could turn an ordinary family gathering into a story that would be remembered for years. Many of his jokes were repeated again and again, but somehow, everyone still laughed.

Ralph could also be hard-headed—or, depending on whom you asked, very hard-headed. Beneath that stubbornness, however, was a heart full of love. He cared deeply, even when he did not always express it in the way others expected. His love often came wrapped in a joke, a tease, a story, or a piece of unsolicited advice that no one had asked for—but Ralph was going to provide it anyway, free of charge.

Every once in a while, Ralph would disappear. His family affectionately referred to this as his “Vanishing Act: Part Deux.” Perhaps he was taking time to recharge his larger-than-life personality, working on his next joke, enjoying a quiet moment, taking a drive, or simply doing whatever Ralph felt like doing. Then, just as mysteriously as he disappeared, he would return.

That was Ralph: a big personality, a big heart, and an even bigger presence.

Ralph experienced some of life’s deepest heartbreaks when he lost his beloved wife and soulmate, Lisa J. Valerio Montoya, in November 2023. Their love story began in 1981, when they quickly became partners in life—and partners in crime. Their relationship was built on laughter, loyalty, humor, and a shared zest for life.

Ralph was Lisa’s love, comedian, and protector, while Lisa was always there to laugh at him—or lovingly heckle him when he deserved it. Together, they created a life filled with family, friendship, memories, laughter, and their beloved fur babies.

Lisa’s passing left an enormous space in Ralph’s life. Her memory remained close to his heart, and his family finds comfort in believing that they are together again.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Lisa J. Valerio Montoya; his mother, Ermelinda Montoya, who passed away in July 2025; his mother- and father-in-law, Ernestina and Cordelio Valerio; his beloved fur baby, Daisy; and other family members and loved ones who went before him.

He is survived by his father, Gilbert Montoya; his son, Jeremy; Jeremy’s children, Danielle, Alexis, and Mekienze; and his two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his daughter, Shastalee “Shasta” Rogers; her husband, Mark; and their children, Bailey and Harper.

Ralph is also survived by his siblings, Gene Montoya, Enedina “Eny” Christensen (Michael†), and Elaine Hansen (Casey); his extended Valerio family, Johnny (Mary) Valerio, Jimmy Valerio, Randy Valerio, and Della (Roland) Gardner; his godchildren; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Ralph loved his children in his own unique way. He was proud of his family and cherished the people closest to him. Although he sometimes tried to pretend he was not sentimental, his love was always present—in his teasing, his stories, his laughter, his guidance, and the countless little things that made him who he was.

Those who knew Ralph will remember his laugh, his jokes, his comb tucked into his back pocket, his stubbornness, his fiery personality, and his ability to make any room more entertaining simply by walking into it. They will remember the stories they heard a hundred times—and laughed at every time.

They will also remember one of his favorite lines:

“Get a rope!”

If you knew Ralph, you probably know exactly why. He loved the Pace Picante salsa commercial, and somehow, “Get a rope!” became one of his many unforgettable one-liners.

Ralph’s passing leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled. Yet his family will carry him forward in the stories they tell, the laughter they share, the jokes they repeat, and the family gatherings that will never be quite the same.

Ralph lived life in his own way, and he certainly knew how to make it memorable. Now, he has taken his final disappearing act.

We like to imagine that Ralph simply slipped away quietly to recharge—and when he was ready, he found Lisa waiting for him. Perhaps she is giving him a hard time for making her wait, while Ralph is insisting that he was not late.

So, Dad, take your time on this one. We know you had one more place to go.

Give Lisa a kiss for us. Hug Grandma for us. And when you get there, make sure they know you brought your big personality, fiery spirit, and unforgettable sense of humor with you.

We will miss you more than words can say. But we will laugh when we remember you, because that is how you would want it.

Your final disappearing act may have taken you from our sight, but it could never take you from our hearts.

Rest easy, Dad.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 8th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM at Anderson and Goff Mortuary, 11859 South 700 East, Draper. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 9th at 11:00 AM, with a viewing and recitation of the holy rosary at 10:00 AM at St. Therese Catholic Church, 624 Lennox Street, Midvale. Interment to follow services at Midvale City Cemetery.