Clara Valenzuela Montijo

May 20, 1933 - August 3, 2020

Our dearly beloved mother, Clara Valenzuela Montijo, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2020. Clara was born May 20, 1933, in Gilbert, AZ to Francisco and Lucilla Valenzuela. Clara was the oldest daughter with 7 brothers and sisters, “Chico”, Betty, Carmelita, “Poncho”, “Luchie”, Lita, and Ray. Clara grew up in “Sonora Town” Gilbert. She attended the segregated schools in Gilbert and graduated from Gilbert High School. She either walked to school or got a ride on the tractor. Clara loved to play the violin, twirl the baton and loved to dance the jitterbug. She also loved to sing opera but everyone would tell her “Please don’t”. Soon after high school, Clara met and married Robert “Bob” Montijo. Bob was in the United States Air Force so they lived the military life. They were stationed in many places, Williams Air Force Base, where their oldest son Robert “Bobby” was born in 1953. Then to Fairbanks, Alaska, where they welcomed Donald in 1954. They were then transferred to Edwards Air Force Base in California where they welcomed Jon in 1956. From there they went to Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The family lived in Spain for 5 years. They were then transferred to Minot, North Dakota then home to Mesa, Arizona. Throughout her life, she mothered many children. She took care of all her nephews and nieces whenever she was needed. Her boys had many friends that she drove to and from many functions. She also welcomed their friends to live temporarily in time of their needs. She was called “Mama Montijo”. Clara was an excellent cook. She would provide meals to family, friends and neighbors. She loved to cook on holidays and had great family gatherings. She always did it with lots of love. Clara is survived by her sons, Bob (Regina, her daughter), Don (Adele), and Jon (Debbie). Her sisters, Betty, Luchie (Lito) and Lita (Candy). Her brothers, Poncho and Ray (Helen). Clara (Nana) had 12 Grandchildren, Robin, Rob (Kendra), Dustin (Melanie), Justina (Santi), Donald (Tonya), Stephen, Jeremy, Aaron, Shawn, Celine, Isaiah, and Holly. Clara was so happy to have 8 Great-Grandchildren, Kate, Riley, Brianna, Emily, Gabriel, James, Elisa, and Audrey. We all called her Nana, even her neighbors. We will miss her greatly!! Our mother is preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Lucilla, her sister Carmelita, her brother Chico, and Bob, her sons’ father. Services will be held at Meldrum Mortuary. Her viewing will be Wednesday, August 12, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Clara’s interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery following services.