Jesus Montoya

East Wenatchee, WA ~Jesus (Jesse) Epimenio Montoya, born February 3, 1941, (according to his mother) or February 6, 1941, (according to the United States Government, who are you going to believe?) cashed in for his winnings to the Great Casino in the sky at 4:26 a.m. on October 10, 2015, at his home in East Wenatchee, with his family by his side. He hit a dry spell when diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July, 2014. His winnings, however, were profound and bountiful. His greatest prize was his family. Jesse and Elaine Stanley Montoya sailed through 47 years of marriage. A navy veteran through and through, they enjoyed many stops along the way with friends and family, including Kona, Hawaii, the Mediterranean countries (with the "party of 8"), and Peru. His children Monte and Casi, brought him such joy. He could and would talk at length about their achievements and adventures. Cheering them on at running events, throughout their lives, from Wisconsin to California, made for many of his happiest memories. Civic minded from the onset, he began delivering the Wenatchee Daily World at the age of five. Jesse served in the Navy from 1958-1962. He proclaimed this only half in jest, the most beneficial military experience was learning to cut hair. Jesse attended several schools throughout his life, including School of Mortgage Banking at Stanford University, University of Washington Executive Development, University of Houston Leadership School, and Purdue University Appraisal School. He was past President of Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary, past President of Colville Rotary, past President of Colville Chamber of Commerce, and past Vice President - Treasurer of Alaska East Rotary and National Jaycees Outstanding Young Men of America 1977. Jesse worked 25 years in the banking industry in Washington and Alaska, until he found the contentment, working on his own, as an independent fee appraiser in the Wenatchee Valley. From Stanford to Spokane Falls Community College, life comes full circle. The same skills he learned as a newspaper delivery boy, served him well as an appraiser; see the client and complete the job in an efficient and friendly way. That was Jesse's approach to everything, from running marathons to presiding over family dinners. So many people loved and were loved by Jesse and his family. We'll long remember his easy smile and quick wit, he had a joke for every occasion, encouragement was doled out with potato salad and beef stew. He was everyone's friend. ~Jesse is survived by his wife, Elaine; their children, Monte and Katrina Montoya and Casi, and Josh Tarr. Jesse's grandchildren are Felicia, Emma Lee and Beau Montoya, Andi and Gibson Tarr. Jesse is also survived by his mother, Lucy Montoya; brothers, Lee, Joe, Richard, Anthony Montoya; and sisters, Nancy Bowman, Marian and Angie Montoya; and many nieces and nephews. ~A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 625 S. Elliott in Wenatchee. Many thanks to Central Washington Hospital Hospice for all their help in making Jesse comfortable in his home during his last days. Memorial gifts may be made in Jesse's name online or via mail to Confluence Health Foundation/ Hospice, 518 N. Chelan Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801, or to Wenatchee Valley Humane Society, 1474 S. Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, 98801. Telfords Chapel of The Valley, East Wenatchee, is in charge of arrangements.

Jesus Montoya

February 6, 1941 - October 10, 2015