Johnnie Moreno Lara

Johnnie grew up in Phoenix, where he attended Monroe School and later graduated from high school. He was one of four children and was preceded in death by his sister, Juanita, and his brother, Freddie. He is survived by his brother, Martin.

Johnnie married the love of his life, Hortensia Escarcega Lara, on December 27, 1947. They shared a long and beautiful life together until her passing in 2022. Together, they raised six daughters: Margaret, Virgie, Patsy, Susie, Regina, and Elizabeth. Their family legacy includes eighteen grandchildren, sixty-two great-grandchildren, and fifty-eight great-great-grandchildren.

Family was the center of Johnnie’s life. He loved getting together, spending time, and celebrating holidays. Christmas was his favorite, when he delighted in making “salty dogs,” a special drink made with grapefruit from his own tree, vodka, and salty rims. Johnnie also loved music, often playing the guitar and singing at family gatherings, and he enjoyed games that brought everyone together, including horseshoes, washers, volleyball, tetherball, and lawn darts. He also had a fondness for traveling to Laughlin to enjoy the casino and hit the slots.

Johnnie is survived by two of his daughters, Susie and Regina, his granddaughter Sylvia, and many cherished members of his extended family. He was joyfully reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Hortensia, his children Margaret, Patsy, Virgie, and Elizabeth, and many other family members.

A service to celebrate Johnnie’s life, Rosary and Funeral Service will be held at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services Maryvale Chapel, located at 6901 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85033, on February 2, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal will follow at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary & Cemetery, located at 719 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009, on February 2, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.