Jesus Montiel

Jesus Deciga Montiel, of Santa Paula, California, entered eternal rest on January 24, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on March, 27, 1937, in Las Adjuntas, a village outside of Irapuato, GTO., México. 

He was a devoted husband to Francisca Montiel (Vargas) who preceded him in death in 2017, and loving father to Maria Luisa Blackshear (Randy), Abel Montiel (Diana), Dolores Salcedo (Eduardo), and Magdaleno Montiel (Olga). Aside from his children, he also leaves behind nine grandsons, one granddaughter, and five great-grandchildren : Eric, Brian, and Sean Blackshear; Michael Montiel and Michelle Duncan; Jesse, David, and Paul Salcedo; Jason and Andrew Montiel; Reece, Cole, Parker, Rush, and Brock Blackshear, and Erinn Duncan. He is also survived by two brothers: Francisco and Ruben Montiel. 

Born into poverty, his work ethic, and desire for a better life began at an early age in his native Mexico. As a little boy he tended his herd of goats in the hills surrounding his rancho, and often went with his beloved Abuelo Tomas to sell clay cómales in surrounding villages. 

As a teenager he helped his father farm the family plot of land to help feed their large family and also worked for his brother Jose to earn extra money. 

In the late 1950s and early 1960s he got a work permit to the United States through the “Bracero Program” and worked on farms in Texas and California. It was during this time that he married his beloved Panchita on January, 26, 1957. Also, within these years his first two children were born. 

 In 1962 he obtained his permanent residency visa and then worked diligently until his wife and two small children had their own permanent visas in hand. In the summer of 1963 his little family settled in Santa Paula and soon thereafter two more children were born. 

Both he and our Mom worked and saved tirelessly until they were able to legally immigrate his parents, Maximino and Ricarda, and two siblings, Luisa and Ruben Montiel. 

He picked lemons, oranges, and tomatoes. He learned to drive a straddle fork in the citrus groves, he was a crew foreman, and worked at Sunkist Growers packing house stacking lemon boxes and driving a forklift. In the early 1970s he worked for Bill Gourley Landscaping, and eventually in 1973 he established his own modest gardening service until his retirement in 2004. 

Throughout these years he helped numerous brothers, cousins, nephews, and friends pursue their own American dreams. Often by providing them advice and a temporary home. 

Our dad’s work ethic has always been an inspiration and source of pride. But more importantly, the love and encouragement he always gave us, his generous heart, his pride in us , and love of family that he instilled in us is his lasting legacy.

Viewing & Rosary:

Friday, February 7,2025

Viewing at 6:00 pm ~ Rosary at 7:00 pm

Our Lady of Guadalupe - 427 N. Oak St, Santa Paula, CA

Mass:

Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:00 am

Our Lady of Guadalupe - 427 N. Oak St, Santa Paula CA

Burial to follow Mass:

Santa Paula Cemetery - 380 Cemetery Rd, Santa Paula CA

Reception immediately following Burial:

Santa Paula Community Center

530 W. Main St - Santa Paula, CA