Mike Montoya Elias, 88, entered into rest on March 9, in Stockton. He was born on Christmas in 1921 in Rockford, Colorado to the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Helen Elias. Mike joins his parents in heaven as well as his wife Nora Elias and brothers Manuel and Angel Elias.

Mr. Elias is survived by his beloved children, Frank Elias of Oregon, Mike Elias of Sacramento, Rosalie Racacho of Manteca, and Helen Acuna of Modesto. He has 3 siblings; Mary Gomez, Jenny Solis and Josie Gonzalez all of Washington. Mr. Elias was blessed by 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Mike retired in the Maintenance Department at Owens Corning Fiberglass in Santa Clara, California after 33 years of service. He joined the Army in 1943 serving his country proudly. He was a native of Colorado moving to San Jose in 1948. When the Elias family relocated in San Jose Mike received his first job building the Lick Observatory located on the summit of Mt. Hamilton in San Jose. He was an active member of Christian Worship Center of Manteca. After raising his family in San Jose for 44 years; Mike and his wife moved to Manteca in 1992. For the past 17 years he has enjoyed spending time at the Senior Center socializing and participating in their various activities, landscaping, shopping at the flea market and family gatherings. Before the passing of his wife 2 years ago Mike and his wife enjoyed traveling every year in their trailer back and forth to Oregon and Washington visiting family. Socializing for Mike was one of his best traits. He loved inviting family and friends over for breakfast, lunch and dinners just to tell old stories, laugh, and exchange jokes. Mike was a good man always teaching his children and grandchildren honest work ethics and to live by the truth trusting in the Lord with your whole heart. Mike leaves behind two of his companions his Boston Terrier and his Chihuahua who were always at his side. He will be remembered as a wonderful man who was a great father, a devoted husband and a wonderful grandfather. He will be missed.

Mr. Elias services are being handled by P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home of Manteca. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 16, from 1 to 5 p.m. at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, March 17 at 10 a.m. at Christian Worship Center, 786 Button Ave. in Manteca. He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife at East Union Cemetery. An on-line guest book is available for special messages to the family at www.plfryandson.com