Josefina Maria “Josie” Montoya died on June 9, 2022 at her home in Umatilla at the age of 82.
She was born on Feb. 27, 1940 in Rigby, Idaho to Joe and Rose Grijalva.
She was raised in Rigby, Idaho and later Nyssa. Josie was united in marriage to Edward Montoya on Sept. 16, 1958 in Caldwell, Idaho. They moved to the Umatilla area in 1972, where she had lived since.
Josie worked at Sunset Elementary in Hermiston as an ESL teacher for over 20 years. She enjoyed crafts, needle work, drawing, poetry, rock collecting, and sibling gatherings.
She is survived by her sons, Edward Montoya, Umatilla; Rudy Montoya in Virginia and Rick Montoya, Hermiston; daughter, Priscilla Long, Richland, Wash.; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sisters, Linda, Mary, Mona, Vera, Betsy and Gloria; brothers, Raymond, Frankie, Lupe, Richard and Salomon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Josie was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Montoya; a son, Harry Montoya; her parents; and siblings, Joe Jr., Charlie, Sally, Vito and Eddie.
A family gathering will be held.
Please share memories of Josie with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
