Sara Gutierrez

1916-2016 Sara Gurule Gutierrez, age 99, a lifelong resident of Belen, NM, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones, and into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Belen. Sara loved to cook, sew, crochet, play the piano and read her Bible daily. Sara taught Sunday school at church and lived her life in accordance with biblical teachings. In addition she loved to garden and could grow anything. Another favorite past time was going shopping in Albuquerque and eating Chinese food. Mrs. Gutierrez was an amazing talented woman who loved the Lord. Her greatest joy was her family. Sara is preceded in death by her parents, Jacobo and Valentina (Serna) Gurule; her loving husband, Jose Antonio Gutierrez; beloved daughter, Mary M. Gutierrez; sisters, Tillie Haag, Jenny Cypers, Geneva Gurule, and Dolores Bogart; brother, Gregorio Gurule; her beloved grand-daughter, Virginia Gutierrez; and her loving great-grandson, Jacob Antonio Nixon. She is survived by her sons, Eloy Gilbert (Karen), Jose Richard (Anna), Orlando, (Dolores); daughters, Elizabeth Chavez (Guillermo), Patricia Ionita; sisters, Angie Chavez and Theresa Correa; brothers, Reynaldo (Gloria), Raymond (Josephine) and Ezekiel Gurule; and her special niece, Maria Socorro Kahler (Don). Sara is also survived by 16 grandchildren and many great-great grandchildren. The family would like to thank a special niece and caregiver, Rena Chavez Melzer, who gave a lot of her time and devotion to Mrs. Gutierrez. Also to her grand-daughter and name sake Sara S. Santacruz, RN, who also gave her time and expertise to her beloved grandmother’s care. Another extension of gratitude and thanks go to Pam, her nurse, Therese, her social worker, Chaplains, Janet, Dottie, Suzy, and Suzanne, and her wonderful caring Dr., Kathy Ligon, and to the whole hospice team that gave their best care and support to, and with utmost love to Mrs. Gutierrez. Our family will be forever grateful to our mother’s team of caregivers for their expertise and commitment of care. All services will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at First Baptist Church in Belen. A Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a Celebration of life to begin at 10:00 a.m. Please sign Sara’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St. Belen, NM.

Sara Gutierrez

September 28, 1916 - June 24, 2016