Ernesto Leondro Montoya

ASHEVILLE - Ernesto Leondro Montoya, 90, passed away peacefully at home in Asheville, North Carolina on June 20, 2025.

Born on September 14, 1934, in Taos, New Mexico, Ernesto remained deeply connected to the land and people that shaped him. A lifelong outdoorsman, he found peace in the mountains and rivers of New Mexico, where he spent countless days fishing, hunting, and simply being present in nature’s quiet beauty.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years Molly Montoya, and his cherished daughter, Sylvia Whitson. The bond they shared was profound, and we take comfort in knowing they are reunited. 

He is survived by his sister, Virginia Gorman of Santa Fe, New Mexico; his son, John Ernest Montoya, and daughter-in-law, Camille; as well as his grandchildren, Austin, Tatum, and Max, who adored their grandfather and will carry his stories and gentle wisdom with them always.

Ernesto devoted over three decades of his life to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an entomologist. His work was marked by dedication, curiosity, and an enduring respect for the natural world. Beyond his career, he lived a life of kindness, humility, and quiet strength. He was the kind of man who showed up—reliably, generously, and without fanfare.

To know Ernesto was to be loved like family. He gave freely of his time and heart, and left every place—and every person—a little better than he found them.

He lived 90 full years with grace, dignity, and an unwavering love for the simple joys: a trout on the line, the laughter of his grandchildren, the beauty of a quiet sunrise in the mountains.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Eugene’s Catholic Church Friday the 27th of June at 11am.The family invites those who knew and loved Ernesto to honor his memory by spending a quiet moment in nature and remembering a man who found wonder in every leaf, stream, and sky.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Ernesto’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com.