Jerry Garcia

On behalf of the Garcia family, we would like to Thank you all so much for joining us as we celebrate Jerry’s life.

Jerry Garcia, 85, a resident of Los Lunas, passed away on Thursday April 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born March 24, 1941, in Grants New Mexico, He was the 2nd of 11 children, born to Lugardita & Jose Leon Garcia.

Jerry gave his life to the Lord in 1990, He loved our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He read his bible every day, until he lost his eye sight. After that he would listen to the Audio Bible. Jerry was a loving compassionate and caring, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.

The Garcia family moved to La Plaza Vieja in Belen, where he attended St. Mary’s School until the 7th grade. Unfortunately, his father passed away, but being the kind compassionate, loving and caring person that he was, he dropped out of school so that he could work and help his mother provide for his brothers and sisters. He and Ernest would go work in California picking oranges, lemons & avocados. He worked at the Ice Plant, the Egg Farm, Sandia Base and eventfully retired from the Los Lunas Schools. He would say “Be proud of who you are and always do your best in whatever you do”

He met Yolanda M. Chavez in 1961; it was love at first sight. They celebrated 57 years together, until her passing in 2020. They were an instant “Power Couple” they looked like a “Chicano “version of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, both dressed to the “nines”. They had two wonderful loving children, Ronnie and Linda.

He loved the outdoors, he was an avid deer hunter, fisherman, and camper. He would tinker and make all kinds of amazing creations. He loved his 1948 Chevy, and his 1970 Chevy Pickup. He was famous for his tortillas, sopapillas, and extremely hot chili. He loved Betty’s “Spam” sandwiches, I mean “Ham spread sandwiches”. He even asked her for the recipe, but said “Nope…they are not the same” so she made him some more. He loved Jeannie’s “burnt macaroni’s” with tomato sauce. He loved music, needless to say Elvis was his favorite musician. Whether he was playing a $500.00 guitar, a $50.00 harmonica or a $1.98 xylophone toy he loved making music, we even have a video of him making music with the rim of a coffee cup and a couple of spoons, and of course you can’t forget his whistling, he was always whistling, he would sit outside and whistle along with the birds. If you were lucky enough you might even hear him sing, sometimes with a country twang sometimes with the famous Elvis rockabilly growl. He had a happy heart, and he made everyone feel welcome. He never let his illness bring him down, not even his wheelchair could keep him from dancing.

Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents Lugardita & Jose Leon Garcia, his affectionate and adoring wife Yolanda M. (Chavez) Garcia, his loving and cherished son Ronald “Ronnie” his brothers Erminio and Pablo Garcia and his sisters- in- law Rita & Norma Garcia.

He is survived by his devoted and adoring caregiver and daughter Linda Elycio-Montoya, his wonderful son in law, Lawerence “Ronnie” Montoya, His grandson Adrian (Aliyah) Elycio, great grandson Logan, his grandson Isaac (Tori Morgan) Elycio. His brothers Ernest (Nancy), Mike (Gloria-Jeannie), Anthony (Colleen), Joe (Lorraine) and Jakie. His sisters: Vera (Ricky) Jaramillo, Frances (Gilbert) Jaramillo and Norma (Tony) Blea, sisters-in-law Sally Garcia, Irene Cordova, brother-in-law Max Chavez, best friend Eddie Johnson, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Linda would go every morning and get him ready for the day, when she had a medical procedure done, Lawrence immediately assured her that he would take care of Jerry’s needs. One morning he went to Jerry’s house he tells him “I’m here to get you ready for the day” …but much to his surprise Jerry was already up and dressed and getting ready to eat breakfast. Jerry bashfully says, “No Mijo, I can do it.” Lawrence made sure everything was good and he went back home, Linda says, “What’s wrong, how come you’re back so quick?” Lawrence told her” He was already ready and having breakfast when I got there. “Linda said “WHAT!!! really !! he always waits for me. Hmmm. Lawrence said “I’m not sure who was more spoiled, Jerry or Linda. They spoiled each other. Linda was truly ‘A Daddy’s Girl”

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Jason Garcia (who Jerry thought of as a son), and Denise and Jessie Dominguez for their ongoing love and care. They were always there to lend a helping hand, and were very much appreciated.

Linda took comfort in the following verses of her favorite song:

I know the road you walked was anything but easy.

You picked up your share of scars along the way

Oh! but now you’re standing in the sun,

you’ve fought your fight and your race is run

The pain is all a million miles away.

The only scars in heaven, they won’t belong to me and you

There’ll be no such thing as broken, and all the old will be made new

And the thought that makes me smile now, even as the tears fall down,

Is that the only scars in Heaven are on the hands that hold you now.

Jerry, you’re in God’s hands and in our hearts. Rest in Peace. Until we meet again.

Thank you all for being here today. We appreciate your love, prayers and support more than you know.

Services are pending. Arrangements were handled by the caring professionals at Riverside Funeral Home, Los Lunas, 

Services are as follows:

Rio Grand Calvary in Belen

Visitation May 12, 2026, 9:30 am- 10:00 AM

Reception 11:00 AM