Juanita Rodriguez

In Loving Memory of 
Juanita Rodriguez 
July 12, 1926 - September 6, 2026

Juanita Rodriguez was born on July 12, 1926, in Austin, Texas, to Cruz V. Juarez and Tomasa Vasquez Juarez, whose roots stem from Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. She came from a large, loving family that instilled in her the values of devotion, faith, and family that would define her entire life. She passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. 

Juanita and Ramon Rodriguez began their life together in San Antonio, Texas, when they met and fell in love—she was just twenty years old. They were married in 1946 and started their family in 1948. Throughout her life, Juanita maintained a strong Catholic faith that she lovingly shared with her entire family. Her spirituality was a source of strength and comfort, and she passed this gift of faith to each of her children. 

Juanita's greatest joy could be seen in the home she created and in the generations who learned from her. A gifted homemaker, she shared her many talents with her family, teaching them how to sew, knit, bake, and create beautiful things with their hands. In doing so, she passed down more than skills; she gave hours of her time and heart. Juanita was always creating—whether she was sewing in her upstairs room, sitting with yarn by her chair knitting, crocheting, embroidering, making curtains, or rearranging furniture to make a space feel fresh and welcoming. You can always count on the living room being a different color and new piece of furniture was added from her favorite antique store. 

Her garden was her peaceful place. She took pride in keeping it immaculate, with flowers, plants, and many other kinds of fruit trees. You could often find her outside with her hat on, hands in the soil, tending to the life she nurtured, just as she nurtured her family. As their children grew, she cherished taking them to Corpus Christi Beach, where she found profound peace and solitude gazing at the ocean—a place that would hold special meaning throughout her life. 

In September 1964, Juanita and Ramon moved their family to Fresno, California, to be close to her family. They discovered a deep love for weekend getaways and found quiet joy on the California coast in Morro Bay. At Morro Bay, Juanita discovered a magnificent tree log on the beach where she would sit for hours, gazing at the waves, finding comfort and solace of the ocean view. This beloved spot has become a cherished gathering place for the entire family—a living memorial to Juanita's gentle spirit and her enduring love of the sea. 

Juanita shared many years of marriage and family life with her beloved husband Ramon, who preceded her in death on December 20, 2011. Together they built a legacy of love and creativity that continues to flourish.

Juanita is survived by her five children and their spouses: Ramon Rodriguez Jr. and his wife Mary Lou; Geraldo Rodriguez and his wife Cynthia; Gloria R. Crump and her late husband Tony (who passed away in July 2009); Roland J. Rodriguez and his wife Terry; and Brenda Lee R. Sierks and her husband Carlos. 

She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Sabrina Ann Rodriguez, Ryan Ross Rodriguez, Danielle Christiansen, Matthew Allen Rodriguez, Christopher James Rodriguez, Julie Christine Rodriguez, and John Cruz Rodriguez. Her beloved grandson, Ramon Rodriguez III, preceded her in death on December 26th, 2025. 

Juanita was blessed with six great-grandchildren: Isabella Jolie Coronado, Miranda Rhyan Bliss, Juanita Alexis Morga, Isaac Ryan Rodriguez, Adelaide Christiansen, and Margaret Christiansen. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren carry forward the love, traditions, and creativity she shared so generously throughout her life. 

Juanita's life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, family, and the simple joys found in nature. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.