Manuel Valentine Montoya Jr.

Manuel Valentine Montoya Jr, “Little Manuel”, 24, from Williston, North Dakota, was a beloved fiancé, grandson, son, brother, nephew, and friend who passed away unexpectedly on January 3rd, 2025.

Manuel was born on December 14, 2000, in Farmington New Mexico, to Manuel Montoya Sr and Tiffany Brown. Manuel went to Bloomfield schools and later planted his roots in Williston North Dakota working in the oil field.

Manuel met his fiancé Lissa Borja, at a Valentine’s Day party, his pretty blue eyes captured Lissa’s attention right away. They started their family and welcomed the apple of his eye, Kensely, she was his world, and he was the greatest DaDa. Manuel had a love for riding dirt bikes and had a need for speed. He had a fearless attitude and accomplished everything he set his heart on. He couldn’t hide the love he had for his Grandparents, Raymond and Olivia Montoya, he always told everyone he knows he was their favorite. Manuel always had the ability to make someone laugh or smile, and his silly personality will be sincerely missed.

Manuel is survived by his fiancé Lissa Borja, daughter Kensely, paternal grandparents (who raised him), Raymond and Olivia Montoya, parents Manuel Montoya Sr and Tiffany Brown, siblings Selina Aliz-Brown, Angel Rene Ruiz, Ezekiel Montoya. Extended family Gerardo and Danielle Borja, Mayah Borja, Lola Borja, and Fabian Borja. Numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Rodney and Saundra Brown, sister Zyanna Montoya, cousin Shawn Trujillo, and best friend Eric Dean Mount.

A viewing will be held on Friday January 10th from 6pm-8pm at Cope Memorial, 404 W Arrington St in Farmington. A rosary will be at 9:30am before the funeral mass service on Jan. 11 at 10am at St. Mary's Church in Bloomfield with Father Jim Walker officiating. Interment will follow immediately at St Rose de Lima Church in Blanco. A reception will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall.

The pallbearers are Eppie Montoya Sr, Aaron Montoya, Matthew Montoya, Fabian Borja, Eppie Montoya Jr, and Elijah Franklin. Honorary Pallbearers are Jeremie Phillips, Luis Nuanez, Brandon Montano, Greg Montano, Samuel Gutierrez, Mauricio, Armondo Montoya, Chayo Lopez, and Eric Dean Mount.

A special thank you to Gerardo and Danielle Borja for transporting Little Manuel back home to his final resting place. Little Manuel will be deeply missed by many friends and family.