Juanita Castillo Ochoa

Juanita (Janie) Castillo Martinez-Ochoa was born June 24, 1954, in Round Rock, Texas to Leonor Martinez. Juanita was an only child. She spent the earlier years of her life in Memphis, Texas where she grew up catholic and attended Sacred Heart Parish.

Juanita attended Oklahoma City Community College, where she attended nursing school, became certified as a phlebotomist, and studied photography. She continued her education at Mid-America Christian University, where she studied theological and ministerial studies. Ultimately, she received her B.A. in Christian Counseling and Psychology.

Juanita gave birth to seven children: Jimmy Mendoza, Rachel A. Mendoza-Pettis, Graciella M. Gonzales, Amelia Ochoa-Dockins, Veronica Ochoa-Norwood, Saraih Ochoa and Blanca M. Ochoa. She has 30 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.

Juanita raised her children in fear and admonition of her Lord and savior. She made sure that they were in church every week and was a firm believer in Proverbs 22:6. “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” She loved all her children and made sure that they received her in the way that they needed her. Her willingness to be there in times of need showed how much she cared and will always be carried in our hearts.

Juanita loved to read the word and spend time with the Lord. She also loved to spend time with her grandchildren by taking them out to eat and to see a movie. She would take a pick from one of her seven children’s homes; dropping by unannounced because she was determined to leave with one of her grandchildren and wouldn’t take no for an answer. No one was going to be too busy for Nana, and we wouldn’t hear of it anyway. If one of her children were lucky, maybe they’d get to tag along too.

Juanita was loved by her family and touched the lives of many. She was a servant that would give her best and her last. She was a survivor and instilled that trait in all her children, along with the ability to place all trust in the Lord. She taught prayer and gave wisdom to anyone that was graced with her presence. She was a woman set in her ways and had courage to stand up for what she believed - no matter what opinions surfaced.

Juanita was preceded in death by her late husband Jesus Jose Ochoa de Quezada, Mother Leonor Martinez, Granddaughter Alexus Ochoa-Dockins, Great-Granddaughter Maliyah Grace Childs, and Uncle Juan Antonio Martinez. She is survived by her seven children, 30 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-grandchild on the way, three sons-in-law, one daughter-in law, and a multitude of extended family.

Juanita was a strong believer in the Lord and carried Him with her throughout life. She looked to God in everything she did in life. She was a strong servant of God. She was always willing to help those in need and was a good friend to everyone. Her legacy will live in all the lives that she touched. She is already truly missed.