Juanita Gutierrez Rodriguez, born May 12, 1949 in San Antonio, Texas went to be with the Lord on November 17, 2024 at the age of 75. She is preceded in death by her mother Amparo E. Gutierrez, father Victor Gutierrez, brother Hector De La Cruz and stepson CJ Rodriguez. Juanita is survived by her beloved husband Candelario Rodriguez, her only daughter Michelle/Mishel Perez (David), granddaughter Jazmine Gonzales (Joe) and great granddaughter Myalynn, granddaughter Mileena Vega and great grandson Travell Jr., granddaughter Julissa Vega (Nick) ,brother Albert Gutierrez (Gloria), her stepchildren JoAnn Rodriguez & family, Ray Rodriguez & family, Richard Rodriguez & family, Randy Rodriguez & family, Teresa Rice & family, in addition to 19 more grandchildren, many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends

Juanita graduated from Burbank High School (c/o 69'). In Juanita's young years, she enjoyed painting ceramics and baking homemade goods as a hobby and loved being a full time Mom. Juanita loved spending countless weekends taking her daughter Mishel to all her ballet folklorico performances not to mention all the Fiesta parades she would walk in with her daughter for her school. In Juanita's employment years, she worked at Roegelein, Capital Meat Co. and Rodeway Inn. After that Juanita just had a special gift for connecting with children. She attended SAC where she received her certification for early childhood development. She spent close to 30 years in early childhood education. She started her career at Parent Child Incorporated (PCI) and then went on to work at various early childhood centers. She always went the extra mile to ensure every child felt safe and supported while in her care. Many parents and children remember Juanita for her patience, outgoing personality, her beautiful smile, and the unconditional love that she gave any child who crossed paths with her. Her dedication to early childhood education touched the lives of countless young children, coworkers, and parents. Her beautiful smile always lit up a room the moment she entered. If there was music playing, I can guarantee you she would be dancing in the room. She loved traveling to Austin to spend time and make memories with her daughter, granddaughters and loved baking & cooking with her great-grandchildren, but most of all she loved just being at home with her husband, watching TV and cuddling with her furbabies. If you knew Juanita, you knew she had a big love for Betty Boop. Throughout her fight with diabetes and dementia, Juanita always was in great spirits with a smile on her face finding a way to make you smile. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at Guiding Light for their compassionate care and support during Juanita's final days.

Visitation will be held at Southside Funeral Home on Sunday, November 24th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m.  Services will conclude on Sunday.