Annabelle was born on February 12, 1939, in Yuma, AZ to John Montana and Petra Montana (Collins). She was 1 of 10 children. She grew up on 5th avenue. Annabelle attended Yuma High School and was a proud Criminal.
Annabelle was a waitress for many years working for La Casa Gutierrez, Hostess for Chester’s Chuck Wagon, Yuma Greyhound Dog Tracks, First Interstate Bank now known as Wells Fargo, where she retired in 1995.Returning to the workforce at District One as a substitute aid and office secretary. Officially retiring a few years later.
A Golden Eagle member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #398, 1967 – 1968 Madame President, 1990 Madame Secretary, 1996 Madame Secretary, 1997 – 1998 Madame President, 1998 – 1999 AZ State Madame President, 1999 Madame Secretary, 2001 – 2002 Regional Madame President Four Corners, 2002 Madame Secretary, 2005 – 2006 Madame President, 2018 – 2019 Madame President. Annabelle has been a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Annabelle loved going to Bingo and the casino with her family and friends. She loved cheering on her Diamondbacks. In her younger years she was an avid competitive bowler. She enjoyed going out dancing and listening to music. Some of her favorite artists including Rod Stewart, Freddie Fender, Roy Anthony, and Little Joe. She had several letters to the editor published over the years in the Yuma Daily Sun. She was present at as many of her grandchildren’s sports, concerts, assemblies, or life events; seldom missing an occasion. Her morning rituals included a hot cup of coffee as she worked on the crossword puzzle and often taking long rides around Arizona’s many scenic routes enjoying the desert landscaping with Joe.
Annabelle leaves her companion of many years Joseph Martinez and her 5 children: Richard Hernandez Jr., Victoria (Mario) Gallardo Noriega, Patrick (Sally) Hernandez, Gina Ornelas, and Johnny (Dora) Hernandez. 13 Beloved Grandchildren, 58 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren. Her Brothers and Sister, Bill and John Montana, Juanita Montana and Richard Collins.
Annabelle is preceded in death by her parents John and Petra, her brothers Oscar, Peter, Ernie Montana, Rey Rivera, sisters Victoria (Baby) Acala and, Dora Harper.
Services: Viewing & Rosary: Monday, August 2nd, 2021, 5-9pm, at Johnson Mortuary, with Rosary at 7pm
Mass: Tuesday August 3rd, 2021, 10am at Immaculate Conception, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Eagles Hall, 225 1st Ave, Yuma, AZ
Interment: Monday August 9th 2021, 9am Desert Lawn Memorial Park.
Pallbearers: Robert “Bo” Montana, Stevie Ornelas, Samuel Hernandez, R.J. Martinez, Alan Ornelas, and Alek Ornelas.
Horary Pallbearers: Delia Pena, Ernie Lorona, Bertha Gutierrez, Alex and Lucille Torres, Joseph Martinez Jr., Mary Francis Martinez, Matthew Neill, Jim & Linda Jenkins.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsonmortuaryyuma.com for the Hernandez family.
FAMILY
Juan MontanaFather
Petra AmparanoMother
Joseph L Martinez Sr.Partner
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