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John Ralp Cortez

1939 - 2009

John Ralp Cortez obituary, 1939-2009, Yuma, AZ

BORN

1939

DIED

2009

John Cortez Obituary

John Ralph Cortez, age 70, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2009. He was born to John and Celestina (Higuera) Cortez on July 8, 1939, in Oceanside, California.

John started working as a butcher's assistant at age 13 at the Yuma Grocer. After many years of service John butchered at several other grocery stores in Yuma and Southern California, he then retired from the UFCW local #324 in 1997. After retirement John enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, as well as traveling the world with his wife, Barbara.

John is survived by his wife of 21 years, Barbara; daughters, Dana (Paul) Debellis of North Carolina, Jennifer (Bob) Beeler of Yuma, and Doreen Jones of Long Beach, California; sons, John (Bambi) Cortez of Palmdale, California, Jim (Lori) Klug of Lake Elsinore, California, and Lee (Tori) Klug of North Carolina; and 18 grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Richard (Lois) Cortez, Robert (Jean) Cortez, Genevieve Cramer, Carmen (Bill) Powell, Anita (Bill) Montana, Irene (Mickey) Chavez, and Dodie (Bob) Blankenship.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Celestina (Higuera) Cortez; and his brother, Edward Munoz.

A celebration of life will be held at Calvary Chapel of Cypress, 5205 Lincoln Ave., Cypress, California on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at UFCW Local #324 Union Hall, 8530 Stanton Ave., Buena Park, California.

John's passion to serve others was seen through his work with the Ronald McDonald House in Reno, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, the family requests, donations to Ronald McDonald House, 323 Maine Street, Reno, Nevada.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Yuma Sun on Dec. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Bonnie Ladbury

December 19, 2009

Only knew John Cortez a short time, but it seems like a lifetime, he was full of life energy,a loving teddy bear with a large voice and presence. We will sincerely miss him. Our happy fun memories will carry one through this trouble time. God Bless the family and be with them lord.
Sincerely Kay & Bonnie Ladbury

UFCW Brothers & Sisters

December 18, 2009

When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. With deep sympathy from your friends at this time of sadness.

Annette Velazquez

December 18, 2009

Memories are the legacy of love. Please know how very sorry I am.

Jerry & Eva Stacey

December 17, 2009

Barbara, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Diana Huffman

December 17, 2009

May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time, and where answers fail, seek prayer. Find peace.

Ernestine(Jerry) Jaure

December 17, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

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