Rafael Baldenegro Montijo

Rafael "Ralph" Baldenegro Montijo, 66, of Casa Grande, a longtime auto salesman and church leader, died Nov. 18, 2007 at Casa Grande Regional Medical Center.


Services will be held along with those of his mother, Josephine Baldenegro, who died three days earlier. Rosary will be recited at 10:15 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:45 by the Rev. Kevin Clinch. Burial will be in Eloy Memorial Park.

Mr. Montijo was born March 22, 1941 in Eloy to Josephine Baldenegro and Reynaldo Montijo. He served in the Army during the Vietnam era and continued his service with the Army National Guard. He graduated from Arizona State University. He married the love of his life, Jane Martinez, in 1968. He was a successful salesman for Cropper Auto Center for 20 years and established a good rapport with the community and a special appreciation for the Native American culture.

He was a member of St. Helen of the Cross Catholic Church and served as youth minister, lector, Eucharistic minister and finance committee member. He moved his family to Casa Grande in 1979 and continued his ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Church. He was an active member of the American Legion. He was devoted to his family and his faith and always stressed the importance of education. His favorite pastimes were playing with his grandchildren, listening to music, family celebrations and watching the Diamondbacks and Arizona State teams.

In addition to his wife of 39 years, survivors include two daughters, Terry Montijo and Yvonne Montijo Aguirre of Casa Grande; two sons, Kevin Montijo of Phoenix and Joseph Rey Montijo of Chandler; an adopted son, Manuel Ibanez; four sisters, Armida Culp, Belen Vasquez, Mary and Barbara Montijo, all of Eloy; five brothers, David B. Montijo of Casa Grande, Fernando R. Ruiz of Eloy, Ray Montijo of Arizona City, Frank and Ernest Montijo of Eloy; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Church's Tradition of Faith campaign.

J. Warren Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.