Mary Jane Montijo

Mary Jane Montijo was born on June 9, 1948, to Jesus and Lorenza Martinez in Castroville, TX. In 1959, she and her parents and siblings relocated to Casa Grande, AZ, where Jane pursued her education.

On August 17, 1968, Jane married her cherished husband, Ralph Montijo, marking the beginning of their life together. They would go on to welcome four children: Terry, Yvonne, Kevin, and Joseph. Throughout her married life, Jane served as an administrative assistant for the Eloy School District for a decade before continuing her career at Evergreen Elementary School, where she ultimately retired in 2016. She was deeply passionate about the children whose lives she had the privilege to impact along her journey. Many of them returned as older kids or adults to reconnect or enroll their own children, reflecting her deep love for kids.

A devoted Catholic, Jane was an active member of St. Helens Catholic Church and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. She served as a youth minister, connecting with high schoolers in their faith through leading retreats and Life Teen trips.

In addition to her community and church involvement, Ralph and Jane enjoyed vacationing with their children. Whether flying to Hawaii to visit their bonus son, Manny, vacationing in Cabo, or visiting their daughter in Nevada, travel was a cherished family activity. Jane was known for her welcoming home, where conversations flowed freely and her famous red chili was always a favorite, earning her the affectionate nickname, Aunt Jane.

While she adored being Aunt Jane, her role as Gammy was truly special. She loved her grandchildren intensely and cherished moments spent shopping, building Legos, watching movies, and dining at Ricardos. Attending school performances and sporting events brought her immense joy, making her time with her grandchildren uniquely precious.

After the passing of her beloved husband and her mother, Lorenza, whom she cared for, Jane began traveling with her siblings. They revisited their Texas roots and enjoyed cruising through Alaska. She also cherished 4th of July celebrations with her sister, Pat, in Idaho, but her favorite moments were the weeks spent visiting her grandchildren in Michigan.

Jane lived a beautiful life, overflowing with love and devotion to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched, remembered as a wonderful wife, proud mother, loving sister, cherished Gammy, Aunt Jane to many, and a caring friend.

Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Montijo; mother, Lorenza Martinez; father, Jesus Martinez; brothers, Santos and Victor Martinez; and mother-in-law, Josephine Baldenegro.

She is survived by her loving children: Terry Montijo, Gilbert, AZ; Yvonne Jimenez (Jose Miguel) Casa Grande, AZ; Kevin Montijo (Beth) South Lyon, MI: Joseph Montijo (Michelle) Chandler, AZ, and bonus son Manuel Ibanez, Maui, HI.

Her precious grandchildren: Jacqueline, Jonathan, Mia, Gavin, Logan, Carlos, Anthony, Jose Martin, Damon, and Elena.

Her special great-grandchildren: Jacob and Sebastian.

Her wonderful siblings: Dora Mendez (Henry), San Antonio, TX; Tony Martinez (Alvie), Mobile, AL; Jesse Martinez, Tucson, AZ; Candy Avila (Raul), Tucson, AZ; Abraham Martinez (Julie) Leavenworth, KS; David Montijo (Cecilia) Casa Grande, AZ, and bonus sister Pat Dugan (Mike) Jerome, Idaho.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Restoration Fund.

J. Warren Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.