Rudolph "Rudy" Montez Morua

On Dec. 11, 2009, with his friends and family at his side, Rudolph Montez Morua passed away after enduring his undaunted battle with pancreatic cancer. Rudy, as he was known by his loved ones, was born in Ventura, on June 22, 1955. He was raised in Santa Paula, by his paternal grandparents, Victor and Alejandra Morua. Throughout his childhood, two things were always evident in Rudy's life: family and music. And, both of these helped to mold him into the loving father, friend, and family member that people knew and loved. There was one person, specifically, who had a very large impact in Rudy's life as he grew up - his uncle, Arthur Morua. It was Arthur who taught Rudy how to play the guitar and unknowingly, helped Rudy to discover the beautiful gift that the Lord placed in him. Throughout their interactions, Arthur became a strong father-figure in Rudy's life. And, in 2003, as Arthur battled with cancer, it was Rudy who sat at his side and played his guitar, singing the same songs that were taught to him as a child by his "dad". Rudy eventually moved to Michigan where he worked as a musician for a few years before inevitably returning to Ventura County. Throughout his musical life, Rudy has been in numerous bands and has performed for many people at parties, weddings and funerals. Rudy was undoubtedly gifted as a musician and singer; and, he blessed others continually with his music. He was an instrument of praise and was not ashamed of using his gift to worship the Lord. It was this love of music that led Rudy to open "Strings N Things", a music store in Santa Paula, which Rudy co-owned and where he instructed many people in playing guitar and imparted his love of music. Over the years, in addition to being a musician, Rudy worked as a custodian for various agencies such as Santa Paula Unified School District, Amgen, and, most recently, Oxnard Police Department. During his time with Oxnard PD, Rudy continually shared his love for the "men and women in blue" by praying for them each day. Although Rudy was given an "End-Stage Diagnosis" approximately 10 months ago, he continued to put up a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer, all without once undergoing chemotherapy. Rudy trusted God and continued to use the best weapon he had - he praised God. Even through his struggle, he never gave up hope or lost faith in the Lord. Rudy is preceded in death by his mother, Della Montez Morua; his paternal grandparents, Victor and Alejandra Morua; his uncle, Arthur Morua; and, many other family members. He is survived by his five children: daughter, Isa Morua; daughter, Starr Morua; son, Aaron Morua; son, Jonathan Morua; and, daughter, Lydia Morua... two grandsons: Dominic Eastridge and Kai Samuel Morua... his longtime sweetheart: Elizabeth Dille... and various extended family throughout Santa Paula and Ventura County. Due to his lengthy battle with cancer and no health insurance, Rudy incurred significant medical expenses. In lieu of flowers, the family of Rudy Morua is requesting that donations be made to Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, located at 738 E. Santa Paula Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060. On Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, a public viewing will be held at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary at the aforementioned address from 4 -7 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service from 7 - 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary at 10 a.m. to be immediately followed by interment at Pierce Brothers Cemetery in Santa Paula, CA.Arrangements under the direction of Skillin-Carroll Mortuary, Santa Paula, CA.