Jerry Montoya, 80, of Yuma, Arizona, passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018. He was born in Ault, Colorado, on June 27, 1937, to Vincent and Rebecca (Anaya) Montoya.
He retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years on Oct. 1, 1973, as a Chief Petty Officer. He was a Deputy Sheriff for Juab County while living in Eureka, Utah. His second career was spent as a police officer at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. While in this position, he graduated on June 4, 1982, from Weber State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement. He also served as the Hispanic Program Manager. Upon his second retirement, he worked as a bagger for 14 years at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he made many good friends.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Grace (Hankins) Montoya; five children, LeAnn Bray, Gaye (Bert) Jensen, Cecil (Teresa) Montoya, Russell (Angelica) Montoya, and Jeri (Joey) Barrow; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Anna Gillespie, Carolyn Hardman, Kathy (Thomas) Young; and one brother, Robert Montoya.
A viewing will be held at Sunset Vista Mortuary on Wednesday, May 23 from 5–7:30 p.m. The funeral mass will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 24 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
A special thank you to Hospice of Yuma and his private nurse, Karen, who cared for him during his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Yuma at www.hospiceofyuma.com.