Rudolph "Rudy" Montoya Jr., 65, of Santa Maria, California, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Born on September 27, 1960, in Lompoc, California, to Tillie and Rudolph Montoya Sr., Rudy graduated from Lompoc High School, where he was an accomplished athlete. He lettered in water polo and competed in baseball, football, and wrestling. In 1991, he moved to Santa Maria after meeting the love of his life, Lisa, and went on to work dedicatedly as a house painter for 33 years.
Rudy was true to his outgoing nature—he never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was known for his generosity, kindness, and ability to be the life of any party, often bringing down the house with his famous James Brown half-split dance move. He loved music, especially oldies, funk, country, and R&B, and spent his happiest moments dancing, camping, fishing, and cooking for those he loved. An avid sports fan, Rudy cheered passionately for the LA Rams and the Dodgers, loved watching all sports, and shared a special lifelong affection for horse racing and visiting the Santa Anita Race Track.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Lisa Bazan; his children, Senette McLaughlin, Israel Hernandez, Alicia Escabedo, Simon Ammiel, and Salena Madrigal; his sister, Eileen Montoya;
his brother, Henry "Hank" Montoya; and his nine grandchildren.
Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026; followed by a service at 1:00 p.m.
in the Chapel of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, located at 600 East Stowell Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454.
A reception will follow immediately after the service.
