Juanita V. Rodriguez

Juanita V. Rodriguez, age 79, of Ulysses, Kansas died Saturday, September 13, 2014 at her daughter’s home in Ulysses, Kansas.  She was born August 29, 1935 in Hillrose, Colorado, the daughter of Tiofilo Rodriguez and Romalda Vasquez.

Juanita grew up in Morgan County, Colorado.  She married Roman Ochoa Rodriguez on December 13, 1954 in Brownsville, Texas.  Migrant workers, they followed the work from Texas, Colorado and Kansas.  They settled in Ulysses, Kansas in 1959.  Juanita was a social worker, helping the migrant workers when they were in Ulysses.  She also worked at Head Start, Nu-Way Cleaners, Ansel Mfg. and retired from Western Prairie Care Home housekeeping department in 2005.  She was a member of the Crusillo Movement, and Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church; she served her church where she was needed and also taught catechism.  Juanita was a very giving person.  She enjoyed time with her family, and watching and supporting her grandchildren in sports.    

She is survived by four sons, Sisto and wife Janie Rodriguez of Ulysses, Kansas, Roman Rodriguez of De Soto, Kansas, Mario Rodriguez and wife Shambrecia of Ulysses, Kansas, Simon Chavez and wife Shaunacey of Brighton, Colorado; five daughters, Angelita Leos and husband Ron of St. Louis, Missouri, Herminia Paroda and husband Nicolas of Ulysses, Kansas, Sylvia Metcalf and husband Harold of Camdenton, Missouri, Nancy Guerrero and husband Jimmy of Ulysses, Kansas, Frances Rodriguez and David Pendegraft of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters, Julia Rodriguez and Margaret Guerra both of Ft. Morgan, Colorado; 25 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. 

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roman; sons, Tiofilo, Ramon, and Jesse; grandsons, Eden Rodriguez and Brian Robal; three brothers and one sister.

Rosary and vigil service will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at 7:00 PM and funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ulysses, Kansas.  Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery.  Friends may call Monday, September 15, 2014 from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM and Tuesday, September 16, 2014 from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses.  Memorial contributions may be given to the American Diabetes Association in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS  67880.