Funeral services for Monte Best, 60, of Portales, will be held at 2:00 PM, Tues., Feb. 20, 2018 at the University Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Smith and Gary Good officiating. Burial will follow in the Floyd Cemetery with Alan Parker, Paul Fine, Jimmy Dale Ward, Warren White, Chris Smith, Sid Price, Clay Crist and Chad Davis serving as pallbearers. Andy Nials, Jim Bob Sides, Tom Davis, Cary Crist, John Crist, John Stallard, Dudley Cash, Bill Joy, Charles Chambers, Lynn Cooper, Jim Watkins and Travis Nuckols along with all Monte’s others friends will be honorary pallbearers.
Monte Wendell Best was born June 16, 1957 in Portales, to the home of Joy (Morgan) and Wendell Best and died Feb. 15, 2018 near Elida. Monte attended school in Floyd, and graduated in 1975. On Aug. 19, 1976 in Clovis, he was married to Paula Lee Smith.
Monte went on to study at Eastern New Mexico University on a Rodeo scholarship. In 1978 and again in 1979 he qualified to compete in the College Finals in calf roping, steer wrestling and team roping. He was the runner up for the southwest region both years. Monte continued to support the Rodeo Team throughout his life, and in 2006 was inducted into the ENMU Hall of Honors. Through the years he had helped a lot of young people with their rodeo skills. Monte loved ranching and raising Black Angus cattle.
He is survived by Paula, his wife of more than 41 years; two daughters, Monica Best of Portales and Marissa Best of Pamona, CA; his mother, Joy Best of Elida; a brother and sister-in-law, Kyle and Amy Best of Amado, AZ and a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Bob Rogers of Arch. He was preceded in death by his father, Wendell Best who died Feb. 10, 2015.
