Monty Lope, Jr.

Monty Lope, Jr., 69, of Bloomfield, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2009 in Salt Lake City. He was born February 17, 1940 in Kimbito, New Mexico. He was Bitterwater Clan, born for the Under the Covers Clan. Monty was retired as a Lab Technician in Chemical Measurements Department from Arizona Public Service. He attended the Navajo Methodist Mission and graduated in 1960 and then attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Monty was a veteran of the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict. His hobbies were rodeo sports and horse races. Monty was a bull rider and calf roper. He spent the latter part of his life ranching and raising cattle. Monty was a great father and grandfather, friend to all his nephews and nieces. He always found time to spend with them as they grew up, and was known to everyone as "Unc". He is survived by his wife, friend, and companion Marie Lope. He had two children Duane (Faye) Lope and Loni Lope; two stepdaughters Mina(Charlie) Francis, Jr. and Annie (Thomas) Francis, Jr. Monty was a son-in-law to the late Ray Light and Louise Light. He also had a brother Harold (Rose) Lope, sisters Beth Jaquez, Bessie Becenti, Amie (Zeke) Kinder, Ella (Simpson) Bekis and Roseann (Emmett) Doherty; 16 grandchildren who he loved dearly. More than anything he loves his youngest granddaughter, Alexia Lope who spent a lot of time with him. He used to tell her don't be all "Johnny" or there's my "Johnny girl" and always encourage her to count in Navajo to him. Pallbearers are Jim Harris, Blocky Joe, Brandon Lope, Aaron Simpson, Lane Thomas and Charlie Francis, Jr. Monty is in the care of Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, (505) 325-8688.