Bentura Gutierrez

Bentura "Connie" Gutierrez, 76, beloved Wife, Mother, and Nana was called to her eternal resting place on January 22, 2021. She entered this world on October 27, 1944 in Saragosa, TX, born to Ramon and Gilberta (Merjil) Brijalba, who proceeded her in death, along with two brothers, Joe, and Abel Brijalba.

Connie graduated from Hagerman High School in 1964 and then attended nursing school at St. Mary's Hospital in Roswell. She worked as an LPN in private practice and retired from the New Mexico Rehabilitation Center where she worked for nearly 20 years.

She married Lieandro Aragon Gutierrez on May 15, 1965 and together they raised three beautiful children in Roswell. They attended St. Peter Catholic Parish where she taught catechism.  Connie was a spiritual woman and used her faith to help strengthen the faith of others. At Christmastime she had a tradition of celebrating Jesus' birthday with her children and grandchildren at the Nativity assembled in their front yard, and faithfully attended the Christmas programs at St Peter to watch young relatives perform. She was a dedicated mother and in her younger years spent much time serving as a Den Mother in Cub Scouts, cheering for her children in school athletics, and participating in PTA at Missouri Avenue Elementary School. She remained active in the lives of her grandchildren and they looked forward to their time in the kitchen with Nana. She enjoyed being surrounded by family and looked forward to large holiday gatherings where no one was a stranger.

She is survived by her spouse Lieandro Gutierrez, son Leandro Gutierrez Jr., son Ramon Gutierrez; daughter Christina Gutierrez-Finley and husband George; grandchildren Lukas Gutierrez, George Finley IV, Mikah Gutierrez, Sydney Gutierrez, Leanna Finley, Khloe Gutierrez.  She is also survived by sisters-in-law Dora Gonzalez, Nena Gutierrez, and Sheila Gutierrez; brother-in-law Gene Gutierrez and his wife Phyllis; plus, many nieces, nephews, and cousins and 34 godchildren.

A rosary will be held at 9:30 am, Thursday, January 28, 2021 at St. Peters Catholic Church with mass following at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Connie would cherish donations to St. Peter Catholic Parish at 111 E. Deming Roswell, NM  88203 in her memory.