Juanita Gonzalez

GONZALEZ
At the age of 78 and surrounded by her family, Juanita Gonzalez peacefully gained her Angel wings on Friday, July 11, 2025. Born on June 26, 1947, she was the youngest of five children born to Juan and Justina Mendiola-Gonzalez.
A proud graduate of Benavides High School, Class of 1965, Juanita went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. She dedicated over 30 years of her life to teaching young minds and retired from Jim Hogg Independent School District, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, patience, and commitment to education. Juanita was a soft-spoken, kindhearted woman who found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. She loved spending time with her family, baking, reading, dancing, and nurturing children-both at home and in the classroom. A devout Catholic, she was a devoted member of Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church and the Altar and Rosary Society in Benavides. Her gentle spirit and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Jose E. Gonzalez; sisters, Maria De La Luz G. Raymond and Dora G. Alvarez; brother-in-law, Armando Lopez; nephews, Rolando Gonzalez, Orlando Alvarez and Ronnie Raymond.
Left behind to cherish fond memories are her two sons, Armando R. (Zaida) Guajardo – Saenz of Benavides, Texas; Mario Noel Saenz of Alice, Texas; three grandsons, Alvaro, Artie and Miguel; two great grandchildren, Olivia and J'Ryan; her sister, Alma G. Lopez of San Jose Community, Texas; sister-in-law, Ludy C. Gonzalez of Alice, Texas; brother-in-law, Gilbert Alvarez of Plano, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Garza Funeral Home in San Diego, Texas with a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. that morning. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Santa Rosa De Lima Catholic Church in Benavides, Texas. Interment will follow at Benavides Cemetery in Benavides, Texas.
Pallbearers, Adrian Lopez, Jaime Lopez, Rene Raymond, Ryan Raymond, Matthew Zamora, Ricky Benavides, Sergio Suarez, Justin Dominguez. Juanita's three grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Premier Nursing Home, Director Oscar Flores, nurses and staff, as well as the Choice Hospice, RN Roxy Solis, Evita Benavides-Pena and staff.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at www.garzafuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Garza Funeral Home.