Benjamin Lee Montano

Benjamin Lee Montano, 83, died Friday June 21, 2024. He was born on March 28, 1941, in Los Cerritos, Colorado to Ben & Helen Montano. 

Ben attended Farmington High School, join the United States ARMY, where he served Honorably for 5 years. Ben took a lot of pride serving under the 82nd ABN DIV at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

After serving in the ARMY, went on to become a very successful business owner (El Navajo Garage/Towing Service) in Shiprock New Mexico for over 4 decades. He enjoyed skydiving, hosting all types of events (boxing, mud bogging, country/western dances). He enjoyed doing concessions during the summer fairs. For many years, Ben participated in playing Santa Claus for the Shiprock Community. He started The Shiprock Hot Balloon Rally. What he enjoy above all, was being around Family, that was, what was most important to him.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents; Ben & Helen Montano; his brother Frankie Montano, and daughter Dina Montano.

Ben is survived by wife; Cynthia Montano; daughter; Jamie Montano; sons Gabriel Montano, Nicholas Montano; Moises Cisneros (Taft, Texas); siblings; sister Beatrice Archuleta, sister Rosa Montano; nephew Melvin Archuleta, Rick Sandoval; nieces; Andrea Montano, Christina Sandoval (God Daughter); Nicco Montano. Ben had 12 grandchildren & numerous great & great, great grandchildren. 

Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Shiprock, New Mexico. Reception will be held immediately after service at Christ the King Catholic Church Parish Hall, Shiprock, New Mexico.