Obituary for Jarvis Jean "JJ" Montez
Mrs. Jarvis Jean “JJ” Montez passed away on Friday, September 15, 2017 at the age of 89. She is survived by her four children: Alex Montez, Jr. (Kim Montez), Gregg Montez, Dr. Carmella Knoernschild (Doug Knoernschild) and Marcos Montez (Laura Goodwin Montez); her eight grandchildren: Maura, Alexa and Stuart Montez; Byron and Gabriel Montez; Ciarra and Isabella Knoernschild; and Joshua Montez.
JJ was born on August 30, 1928 in Devol, Oklahoma. When JJ was still a child, her parents, JJ and her two brothers joined the Dust Bowl Migration to California. In the early 1950s, JJ moved to Fresno, California, where she was the head carhop at Stan’s Drive-In, one of the highest grossing restaurants in California. It was here that she met Alex Montez, Sr. They married in 1954.
In 1961, JJ and Alex moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas with their children. They opened Casa Montez Mexican Food Restaurant on College Avenue, where another iconic restaurant establishment, Herman’s Rib House, still stands. For the next 28 years, JJ helped Alex run Casa Montez, which was well known across the state for its authentic Mexican cuisine. JJ, a gracious hostess who warmly greeted customers and friends, played a significant role in the popularity and success of the restaurant.
JJ was also a devoted and beloved mother, wife and grandmother who took on more than most women during that time. She was hard-working and selfless in her devotion to her family. Even after she had fulfilled her duties as a mother and business owner, JJ rarely took a moment for herself. She also did an exceptional job assisting in the upbringing of her grandchildren. She remained very involved and active in their lives until her final days.
JJ passed away peacefully surrounded by her children, grandchildren and friends. She will be buried at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Lutherville, Arkansas. A family graveside service will be held on October 7, 2017. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has suggested donations to Potluck Food Rescue (an operation that helps feed Arkansans in need) in memory of Jean Montez at Potluck, Inc. P.O. Box 251558, Little Rock, Arkansas 72225 or potluckfoodrescue.org .
Services entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, 307 N. St. Joseph Street, Morrilton, AR. "IN YOUR TIME OF NEED....WE CARE."
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