Jerry Montoya, 80, of Yuma, Arizona, passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018. He was born in Ault, Colorado, to Vincent and Rebecca (Anaya) Montoya.

He retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years, on October 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 Police Officer at Dugway Proving Grounds, 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, MN, 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; eleven grandchildren, eleven 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 from 5:00pm – 7:30pm with Rosary at 6:00pm. Mass will begin at 9:00am on Thursday, May 24, 2018 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. I lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Yuma at www.hospiceofyuma.com