Lucille (Tila) Martha Gutierrez of Springer, NM died on August 23, 2017 surrounded by family at Genesis Ladera Nursing Home in Albuquerque, NM. She was 87 years old.
A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Friday September 1, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Springer. The celebration of funeral mass will immediately follow, with Father Benoit Trieu Van Vu officiating. Burial will follow in the Springer Cemetery.
She was born January 10, 1930, in Trinidad, Colorado, daughter to Facundo and Lazarita Duran.
She married her loving husband Candido (Con) Gutierrez on May 26, 1951 and they were inseparable for 65 years. Together they raised 5 children and enjoyed their nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking and loved to play softball. She always welcomed anybody into her home and always made sure they left with their stomachs full and leftovers to take home. Lucille was known for her cooking, people always wanted her tamales and empanaditas.
Lucille was the Head Start teacher for Springer schools for 25 years. She touched and cared for many young individuals as they referred to her as Grandma. She left many students with memories and goals to achieve. Her goal was to insure that all her students received a chance to start their education with a positive outlook on life and with emphasis on looking ahead and reaching for the stars. Lucille also was involved with the church and taught CCD classes and encouraged many students to believe in their faith and pray for guidance and success.
She was preceded in death by her husband Candido (Con) Gutierrez. Parents Facundo and Lazarita Duran, a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Mario Martinez. brother, Ernest Duran, and sisters; Magdelena (Toni) Dorrance and Carmela Kear.
Lucille is survived by her sister Mary Jane Rivera and husband Johnny of Springer, NM; Virginia Lopez of Pueblo, CO; brothers Freddy Duran and of Raton, NM and Pat Duran and wife Angie of Ft. Worth, TX. Also surviving are her sons; David Gutierrez and wife Dorine of Springer, and Steve Gutierrez and wife Patricia of Albuquerque; and a daughter, Carol Miller and husband Bobby of Albuquerque.
Also surviving are nine grandchildren: Estevan Gutierrez, Felicia Marquez and husband John, Fabian Gutierrez and wife Andrea, Amanda Gutierrez, Robert Miller and Patrick Miller, all of Albuquerque; Candida Gonzales and husband D.J. of Artesia, NM; Montana Martinez of Springer, and Keith Gutierrez and wife Veronica of Springer.
And, 12 great-grandchildren: Kyrah, Nathanial, Santiago, Nevaeh, Jazlyn, Adrian, Victoria, Leilani, Xiomara, Abel, Jeramiah and Kyleigh, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Pall bearers will be grandsons; Montana Martinez, Estevan Gutierrez, Fabian Gutierrez, Keith Gutierrez, Robert Miller and Patrick Miller. Honorary pall bearers will be Carlos Gutierrez, Ted Kear, Michael Dulaney, Jimmy Bowden and Carlos Craig.
Arrangements under the directions of Yaksich-Long Funeral Home, Raton NM, 87740, 575-445-2622.
