Virginia Gutierrez

Virginia Gutierrez passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023, at the age of 99. She was an amazing woman who endured much, survived lots and lived through one of our most historical times. Bundled in her mother’s arms, along with her father they arrived in this country fleeing revolutionary times in Mexico in the mid-1920s. They immediately settled in to work and save money to continue north. Settling in Bishop, she lived through and saw many changes in our town, environment, government and social order. While she only had one son, she nurtured seven brothers, two sisters, numerous nieces and nephews and many more relations. And although her son and family live in Germany; her brothers and sister lived nearby.

Instilled with the value of work and education, she supported and pushed her siblings to excel in both. As a domestic/custodial worker and caretaker, her forte was in the preparation of foods, especially pies, cakes and other desserts. At a time when doctors were local, she worked for the medical doctors in Bishop, Dr. Barrnet, Dr. Ginther, Dr. Peace and Dr. Lee, both in their offices and sometimes, their homes. Her most treasured memory, however, was her employment by the military in San Antonio during the World War II. Recounting stories of that time are treasured memories. She was also a seamstress and an entrepreneur "of sorts”, as she sold Avon, Stanley and AmWay products out of her car. She knitted necklaces and kitchen towels and, at one time, made beautiful quilts. She enjoyed canning and jarring, from “nopalitos” to figs, grapes, corn, and a variety of vegetables.

She lived at a time when so much was handmade and much of our food was home grown. She passed on the knowledge and skills to some of us; she will be immensely missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Juana Gutierrez; granddaughter, Tanya Gutierrez; siblings, Estella Bowie (John Phom-d), Jose Gutierrez, Jr. (Elida-d), Frank Gutierrez (Gloria-d), and Juan Gutierrez (Dolores-s); and sister-in-law, Nelda Gutierrez.

Among those left to cherish her memory are her son, Jesus (Dagmar) Gutierrez, Germany; siblings, Roberto Gutierrez (Nelda-d), Gilberto Gutierrez (Antonia), Manuel Gutierrez (Soledad), Julian Gutierrez (Mary Jo), Margarita G. Saldana (Guadalupe), and Neimus Avalos (Melinda); grandchildren, Michelle, Diana, and Monica; great-grandchildren, Megan and Tara; 2 great-great-grandchildren (Emilia and Alexander); and numerous nieces, nephews, and loving family members.

The family will receive condolences on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 26, 2023, St. James Catholic Church, Bishop, TX. Rite of committal and interment will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery, Bishop, TX.