Jose Monroy

Our beloved Jose, a loving husband, charismatic father, entertaining grandpa, esteemed uncle, and good amigo, Jose Luis Martinez Monroy, 83, Rupert ID, left to see his heavenly Father early morning of November 17, 2020.

Jose was born on February 22, 1937, in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico to Antonio and Dolores (Martinez) Monroy. Dad is the oldest of his ten siblings. He grew up and thrived in Piedras Negras, he was born with a big personality, loved music, and was an ardent worker. In 1953 he came to the US and began his career in agriculture, with an eighth-grade education he eagerly left for Idaho with a family friend to tend the sugar beet fields. March of 1955, his mother, who worked at the immigration counsel in Eagle Pass Tx., had filed residency for the entire family; together they followed the crop harvests in UT, AZ, and ID.

While in Idaho, his family resided at the Paul labor Camp, where Jose met Rita De La Rosa, and from their union had 11 children. Jose’s eagerness developed him into a harvest contractor which led him to move his new little family to Az where he held the grape, orange, and strawberry harvest contracts. He continued to travel to Idaho for work; due to his frequent absence, Rita and him grew apart and later divorced, but remained good friends.

While working in Idaho, the need for farmhands began his next venture. He assisted those seeking the American dream file for green cards. While Jose worked in Idaho he met the love of his life, Lali Gonzales. He became father to her two young children. Jose and Lali made a great team accomplishing all of his endeavors. Jose left for “college” while Lali was pregnant with their oldest of two daughters. After two years away, he returned to Idaho and resumed business as usual. Jose and Lali began Monroy Trucking and hauled potatoes to and for Costa Delis, Magic Valley Produce, for 38 years. Jose, at 70 years old, was still hauling with his favorite brown truck; when he was debilitated from a massive stroke after a quadruple bypass in May of 2007. Jose’s tenacity and grit displayed clearly in the following months. Jose’s speech and sight never completely returned but he found ways to communicate. His smile & laughter was the best language.

After three months in rehab, he gained his ability to swallow and stand efficiently enough to come home from Boise. He continued rehab in Burley and gained ability to walk with a cane and swallow solids. His devoted wife maintained his progress at home for the following 13 years. Two years ago, he suffered another stroke which stole his ability to walk, but not his sparkle. He never grumbled nor let his condition dim his shine; a legacy we hope to carry on.

Jose was preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Dolores; grandmother Pompoza S. Martinez; brothers Antonio Monroy and Alfredo Martinez; sisters Rosa Hernandez and Elida Luna, and his son, Israel Monroy.

Jose is survived by his wife, Lali (Oralia); his children: Elizabeth, Jose Luis Jr., Veronica, Rosemary, Linda, Ruben, Noemi, David, Maria, Manuelito, Daniel, Lisa, Micaela, and Cynthia Jo; his 49 grandchildren, his 63 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; his sisters Esther Betancourt, and Graciela (Juan) Betancourt; brother Arturo Monroy, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to each of his physicians, therapists, caregivers, and his hospice nurse, Stacey for the care they provided for our beloved Jose.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 23, 2020, at the Grace Church in Rupert. Burial will take place in the Rupert Cemetery following the funeral service. Arrangements are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.