Gregorio Ramirez Montoya March 11, 1925- July 7, 2007 Gregorio was born and raised in Irapuarto, Gto, Mexico. He came to the United States in the 1940's as a railroad worker for worker for the Southern Pacific Railroad. On a sunny day at Central Park while Gregorio was recuperating from a broken leg, he met his future wife, Mercie Torres. They Wed in 1945 and resided in Bakersfield with there six children. Gregorio attended night school at Bakersfield High School to attain his welding certificate. He was then employed as a welder at Consolidated Pipe Co and the Pacific Southern Foundry where he worked for many years. On May 17, 1967 Gregorio became a U.S citizen. Throughout the years he proudly called his grandchildren to stand next to him and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, ending with Viva Mexico. Gregorio spent his retirement sitting under his fig tree in the garden, surrounded by his other fruit trees. He also enjoyed traveling around Bakersfield on the GET bus. Gregorio was always happy to watch his great-grandchildren, "leave them here, I'll watch them." he would say. Little did he know, they were watching him. Gregorio was diagnosed with dementia in 2002; He continued to remain feisty and independent until the last days. Struggling with his memory loss, Gregorio would always say, "I'm 70 years old, how do you expect me to remember everything?" On July 7, 2007 Gregorioat the age of 82, died peacefully at his home with his granddaughter and family by his side. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mercie Torres in 1986 and his daughter Juanita Montoya in 1946. He leaves behind his children Sofia M. Carillo and husband Fred, Frank Montoya, Helen Castruita and husband, Pascual, George Montoya, Gregorio Montoya Jr. and wife Ruth, and Ronald Montoya and wife Phyllis, of Bakersfield; 20 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and 5 great- great grandchildren. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Thursday at 7pm at Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary. Mass of the Christian Burial will be said Friday at 9:00am, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church followed by his resting place at Union Cemetery to join his beloved wife. Visitations will be held Wednesday 2-8pm and Thursday 2-9pm.