Jose Omar "Mari" Sanchez Sr.

Jose Omar “Mari” Sanchez Sr. from Greeley, CO passed away peacefully on March 8, 2023, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born on December 19th, 1945, in Aldama, Chihuahua Mexico to Genovevo Rios Sanchez and Estela Herrera Sanchez. He married Maria Louisa Botello on November 18th, 1967, in Greeley, CO. They later settled in LaSalle, CO and raised four sons and two grandchildren throughout their joyful 55 years of marriage.

Jose worked for Colorado Alfalfa Products for 3 years in Milliken, CO. He then worked for 17 years at Monfort Feed lot in Gilcrest, CO. He later went on to get his CDL and started a trucking company for 12 years.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, mechanics, and watching the Colorado Rockies play games. He also enjoyed listening to music, playing his bass guitar, and singing with his brothers and sons. He liked watching Western Movies or Western shows on TV. He had a green thumb growing a bountiful garden and chili farm in LaSalle, CO which became a family trade that carried on through his children and grandchildren. His chili and vegetable stand became a favorite spot for any travelers passing by the farm. Jose truly never knew a stranger and made everyone feel at home from his first shared smile or handshake upon meeting them. He also enjoyed reading history books that his grandchildren always kept him supplied with. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and teaching them any life lessons that he could bestow upon them. His greatest joy in life was, his wife Maria, and spending any time he could with her, Jose loved making her laugh and smile with a quick punch line or joke. He was a member of Saint Peter’s Catholic Church.

Jose is survived by his wife Maria Louisa Sanchez, Sons Jose Omar Sanchez Jr. (Holly) of Farmington, NM, Richard Sanchez (Melissa) of LaSalle, CO, Antonio Sanchez of Evans, CO, Jesus Sanchez Sr (Brenda) of Greeley, CO. Jose and Maria raised two grandchildren Jesus Sanchez Jr. and Daphne Gramling of Greeley, CO. He is also survived by his Brothers Genovevo and Baldomar Sanchez and his sisters Socorro Padilla and Enedina Sanchez. His legacy will be carried on by 24 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and numerous God children.

Jose was preceded in death by his parents Genovevo and Estela Sanchez, Brothers Carlos Sanchez, Artemio Sanchez, Sister Elsa Uribe, Father and Mother in-law Frank and Refugia Botello and daughter in-law DeAnna Sanchez.

The Sanchez family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins, CO for all the help and caring of Jose in his final days.

Please make all donations to Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/ in honor of Jose O. Sanchez Sr.

A Viewing for Jose will be held at Stoddard Funeral Home on Wednesday March 22nd, 2023, from 5pm-7pm with a Rosary at 6:30pm. Funeral services to be performed at Saint Peter's Catholic Church in Greeley, CO on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, at 9:30am, followed by burial at the Johnstown CO Cemetery.