Celia Rocha Gutierrez

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and best friend departed this life on January 7th, 2011 after a long courageous battle with cancer at the age of 86. Her life started on July 14, 1926 in Brownsville, Texas. She devoted her life to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was everyone’s Mother and Grandmother as was known as everyone’s “Momma.”

She was always cooking delicious meals for her family and had many signature dishes, such as tortillas, tamales and bonellos that were the cornerstone of all family get-togethers. Her beautiful heart touched everyone she met and leaves behind many cherished memories. She loved to spend time with all her children and grandchildren and had a love for music and dance. The simple laughter and joy she brought to everyone leaves behind a legacy that lives on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; we cannot imagine our lives without her. Her loving wings will no longer be spread on Earth, but will be stretched along the white pearly gates of Heaven.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Enrique B. Gutierrez and son, Johnny Gutierrez. Parents Jesus & Rosa Rocha; brother Raul Rocha and sister Angelita Flores of Brownsville, Texas.

Celia is survived by her loving children: Xavier Gutierrez and wife, Victoria; Maria Alma Balderas; Antonio Ernesto Cordova, Richard Rocha and wife, Lynn; Corinna Brown and husband, Richard; George Gutierrez; Gerald Gutierrez and wife, Kim; Alfred Gutierrez and wife Deborah; and Tina Neff and husband, Van.

18 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sister, Juanita Moon of Round Rock, Texas; brother, Reynaldo Franco of Eugene, Oregon and several nephews and nieces and many friends.

Pallbearers: Grandsons; Eric Gutierrez Sr., Steven Gillihan, Chad Brown, Jason Gutierrez, Christopher Gutierrez, Michael Rocha, Derek Gutierrez, Brandon Gutierrez, Jeremy Neff, and Nathan Neff.

The family extends appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Dancel, all the nurses at Harbor Hospice, staff of RHC and to her caretaker and special friend, Lupita Rios and to all of those who kept our Mom in your thoughts and prayers during her illness.

“Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.” ---- Emily Dickinson

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a Rosary being recited at 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 9, 2010, at Earthman Funeral Home, 3919 Garth Rd., Baytown, TX 77521.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 10, 2010, at St. John’s Catholic Church.

Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Earthman Baytown Funeral Home, Baytown, TX.