Josie Carruth

Josie Carruth (Montoya), passed away peacefully in her home on March 14, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born in Heiner, Utah on November 23, 1930, to her parents Juan and Aurelia Montoya.

Josie was the heart of our home and family. She raised and devoted her life to her five children who were her world - Dianna Carder (Brent), Beverly Carruth-La Belle (Bob), Steven, Lorraine, and Peter Jr. She is survived by her children, 12grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and her furry friend, Abigail.

Josie was predeceased by her adoring husband, Pete, to whom she was married for 60 years; her parents, her siblings Abel, Thomas, Dolinda Diaz (Dollie), Joseph, John, Frances Poirier, Albert and Henry, and her little constant companion, Tulu.

Josie grew up on a family ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, followed by a move to Sacramento, California where Josie graduated from Sacramento High School. During high school, she met Pete, who, after enlisting in the Air Force, pursued her when he came home on leave, and the rest is history.

Being a military wife, Josie spent several years in France, as well as a number of states in the US before they relocated back to the Sacramento area to be close to family and to raise their children. She loved to travel, and enjoyed all the road trips across the country. Once her children grew and moved away, she made trips to visit them in other parts of California, Colorado, and New York. Josie was a very loyal wife and dedicated mom that supported her children’s endeavors and always had a lending ear if we needed advice. She enjoyed being involved in her grandchildren’s lives as she loved children. She was the second Mom to many, whom she passed on her strong values, including trust, respect, affection, care, guidance, gratitude, love, and forgiveness. She always looked forward to family traditions, including extended family picnics in her beautiful backyard, as well as Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities. She was a good friend to her neighbors.

Josie was very compassionate, had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. She loved all genres of music and loved to dance. She loved God, was faithful to the Catholic Church and lived her life with strong convictions. She had a direct hotline to God, as her prayers always seemed to be answered. In her earlier days, she participated in bowling leagues, roller skated, practiced archery, sold tupperware, made ceramics, did intricate embroidery, was a seamstress, and a boy scout leader. Josie enjoyed watching sports, and had a passion for basketball. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her houseplants. She loved cooking and baking from scratch, and made sure anyone in her home had ample food and goodies to eat. We all looked forward to her famous tacos, Spanish rice, beans and tortillas, and special chili. She baked Valentine cakes every year for family and friends. She loved reading history books and doing crossword puzzles. Josie liked being physically active, had a gym membership, and enjoyed her morning neighborhood walks, drives in the country and exploring other neighborhoods. She would wake up every morning ready to go. We called her the Energizer Bunny.

She was beautiful inside and out - the epitome of grace and beauty. In spite of her developing dementia, she never lost her spunkiness, and kept us on our toes. She lived a good life. Josie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Rest in peace, Mom.

We are grateful to Josie's caregivers and Mercy Hospice who helped us care for our Mom in the comfort of her home with grace and dignity during her last days.

Donations can be made in her honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.