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, a native of Oracle, passed away September 4 at his home in Oracle, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with Alzheimers.
He was born at Peppersauce Canyon on December 27, 1931 to Ramon and Candida Ronquillo. He was one of nine siblings, all of whom are deceased, except for one surviving brother: Daniel R. (Dora) Ronquillo of Tucson.
John preceded his dad, Ramon, as wrangler at the Triangle Y Ranch Camp, which was once the Crooked G Ranch. He worked there for 33 years, after which he moved to Oracle and continued working, building rock walls, and was well known for cleaning everyone’s yard in town.
John was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, and, loved playing the guitar in his younger years. John served on the Oracle Cemetery Board and cleaned and kept up the Oracle Cemetery for many years. He, also, was the Grand Marshall of the Oracle Oaks Festival Parade in 2001.
John was married to Anita Kantland, now deceased, and had six children, and, after 20 years, married Cora Ronquillo with which he had three daughters. He is also preceded in death by two children, Lillian “Sue Sue” Ronquillo and Charles Ronquillo.
He is survived by his wife, Cora Ronquillo of Oracle; his children, Irene (Raymond) Romero of Florence, son John A. Ronquillo of Mesa; Sarah (Ray) Barney of Mammoth, Cindy (Albert) Ortiz of Oracle; Shelley (Michael) Barriga of Oracle; Candi (Mike) Velasco of Chandler, and Kim (David) Nolen of Moss Bluff, Louisiana; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter and one great-grandson on the way.
John will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Services were held on Sept. 11 at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Oracle with interment at Oracle Cemetery in Oracle. Arrangements were by Adair Funeral Home.
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