Johnny J. - age 65 - Ohkay Owingeh Cata

Johnny J. Cata, 65, a resident of Ohkay Owingeh passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, from a lengthy illness. He was proceeded in deth by his parents, Bernie”Lala” and Manuel Cata; brother, Edgar Hubert Cata. Johnny was a Vietnam Veteran and Sgt. in the US Army. His career started with all Indain Housing Authority. Later he went to work with Housing Urban Development (HUD). While working with HUD, he worked in Albuquerque, NM, Phoenix, Arizona and Seattle, Washington, where he retired in 2004. He was an active member of the Inter-Tribal Warrior Society. As a member of this society he participated in Color Guard for various events. The Inter-Tribal Warrior Society is a Native American focused veteran’s services organization based in Auburn, Washington. Their maission is to provide final tribute for all honorably discharged veterans. Johnny coached “The Bats” baseball team with the all Indian League for several years. He enjoyed going to the casino and was an avid Sunday night Karaoke singer. He was dedicated to his wife, Mary Frances “Pancha” Cata of 30 years; son, Damian Cata and companion Laura Franklin of Albuquerque, son, Nathaniel and wife Kelly Cata of Albuquerque, daughter, Marlena and husband Oscar Lopez of Yuma AZ, daughter, Naomi Cata of Ohkay Owingeh, and son Jonathan Cata of Tempe AZ; sisters, Florence Maestas of Ohkay Oeingeh, and Barbara and husband Doug Hutchinson of Ohkay Owingeh; grandson, Mason Cata, granddaughter, Sofia Lopez, and one granddaughter expected in May, aunt Marie Tonita Sandoval, uncle, Amarante Montoya Jr., and wife Inez, father-in-law, Antonio M. Maestas, brother-in-laws, Anthony Maestas, Paul and companion Viola, Charlie and wife Noreen, Dennis and companion Jane, Edward and wife Sylvia; sister-in-law, Clara and husband Martin Trujillo, with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. The following served as pallbearers, Ross Garcia, Gerald Cata, Jose Onesiomo Maestas, James Archuleta, Terry RedFox, Douglas Hutchinson, honorary pallbearers named were Eloy Chavez, Anthony Moquino, Leonard Montoya, John Callahan, and all his nephews and cousins. The family of Johnny Cata has entrusted the care of their loved to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. \r\n

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