10/03/2007
Debra Jean “Debbie” (Morgan) Montalvo was born in Des Moines, Iowa on November 30, 1954.
She was one of six children born to Alberta Louise Breese and Joe Orville Morgan.
Debbie grew up in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1974.
On November 30, 1975 Debra Jean “Debbie” Morgan was united in marriage to J. Salomon Montalvo.
To this union four children were born.
Debbie always loved Elvis Presley music and had a collection of Elvis memorabilia such as dolls, pictures etc.
Debbie and Joe enjoyed taking road trips to Missouri and Georgia. Driving through forests
was very enjoyable for Debbie. Debbie has quite a “green thumb.” She had many house
plants but was especially proud of her avocado, banana and orange trees. Debbie
managed to have them bear fruit.
The major priority in Debbie’s life was family.
Debbie and Joe could pass a memorable evening just sitting by a campfire. Spending
time with the children and grandchildren; watching them grow was her greatest pleasure.
After a long battle with cancer, Debbie finally joined her Dad and sister, Kathy
at the Pearly Gates of Heaven on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at the age of 52 years,
10 months and 3 days.
Those left to mourn her passing are her husband of 31 years,
Joe Montalvo of Knoxville; four children, Joe “Joey” Montalvo of Des Moines, Jaime
Montalvo and his wife, Darcy of Des Moines, Janelle Montalvo of Pella and Jessalynn
“Jessie” Montalvo of Des Moines; four grandchildren, Tyler, Quinlyn, Gavin and Jaidyn
Montalvo; her mother, Alberta Morgan of Knoxville; four siblings and their spouses,
Jolene and Jim Van Maaren of Pella, Rodney and Sheri Morgan of Knoxville, Janet
and Mike Malone of Knoxville and Joni and Marvin Beerends of Prairie City; two aunts,
Linda Rickabaugh and Luann Cooper of Knoxville and one uncle, Danny Breese of Knoxville as well as many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at Williams Funeral Home with Pastor Leo Freel officiating.
Interment was in Ridlen Cemetery in rural Marion County, Iowa. Musical selections were
“How Great Thou Art”, a CD by Elvis Presley and “A Song for Momma”, a CD by Boyz II Men.
Casket bearers were Greg Beerends, Chad, Shane and Troy Malone, Eric and Jeff Morgan.
Honorary casket bearers were Amanda Beerends, Jodi Morgan, Nikki Saltzman and Kim
Whitaker.
Memorial in memory of Mrs. Montalvo may be given to her family. On line
condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.williamsfhknoxville,com.