Steve Loya

Steve P. Loya Jr, a husband & father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, son, and a friend to many, was born on December 5, 1937 to Estevan & Josephine Loya. He was born & raised in Thatcher, Arizona and is the eldest of 5 children: 2 brothers & 2 sisters. He graduated from Thatcher High School in 1958 – where he played sports; football, basketball, and baseball, was active in many clubs, and was provided opportunities to draw/paint murals at the high school.

One of Steve’s many talents included his love of drawing and coloring, especially with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. After graduation, Steve married the love of his life, and high school sweetheart, Rosalie, whom he met at a rivalry football game between Thatcher & Superior. With this brief moment, came 66 years of love and marriage, 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Grandpa and grandma shared an English Bulldog named Noel. She was loved by all and spoiled rotten by him. Noel lived to be 14 years old.

Steve was very active in all of his children’s lives. He coached both his daughter’s softball teams and coached his son’s Pee Wee baseball teams up through high school. He never missed any of his children’s sports games or activities. He raised his children to always be kind and respectful to everyone, work hard and he was always there if anyone needed his help. 

Steve worked hard to support his family and lead by example for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a strong and positive influence in all our lives. Early on in his life, before marriage, Steve started working at a meat packing company and eventually moved on to work as Thriftee Market’s Butcher. After 40 long years of perfecting his craft of meat cutting, training new employees in the meat department, meeting many new people, and enjoying getting to know them, he retired from Thriftee.

Steve and Rosalie settled into their new phase of life, retirement. As many of you already know, Steve was the biggest die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. Did you all know he owns stock in the Green Bay Packers? Yes, our Dad was a proud stock holder. Steve was a man who loved all of his family, he was devoted to his wife Rosalie, and was proud of all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He would always be willing to help and do anything for his family. He left us all with many memories, life experiences, and taught us to make good choices, work hard and to always be honest.

Steve is preceded in death by his loving wife Rosalie.  He is survived by his daughters Terrie (David) Montez, and Antonette "Toni" Reneé (Eddie) Jaramillo, and his son Steven Gabriel (Stephanie) Loya III.  He is also survived by his grandchildren; David Nell (Bryna Franco) Montez, Jesse Loya Montez, Joseph Gabriel Montez, Stephanie Briane (Charles) Figgins, Edward Michael Jaramillo, Joshua Adam (Brittany) Jaramillo, Corina (Jacob) Sanchez, and Kalene (Ruben) Rodriguez.  Steve is the proud great grandfather to Manny Mike Montez, David James Montez, Avianna Ramirez, Johnny Michael Figgins, Charlie Steven Figgins, Ronan Alexander Jaramillo, Milo William Jaramillo, Mya Elena Cobos, Azario Isreal Rodriguez, and Azeal Isabel Rodriguez.

Dad will truly be missed by many, especially by his family. We take comfort in knowing he is with our mom, a place he has wanted to be for the last 6 years, since her passing.

A Memorial service for Steve will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the McDougal Caldwell Chapel beginning at 1:00 p.m.