Juanita Serrata Rodriguez

Juanita Serrata Rodriguez, age 81, of Houston, TX, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2020 with her loving family by her side. She was born in Brownsville, TX on January 7, 1939, to Juan Serrata and Elvira Cruz. Later she was raised in Chicago, IL where she met the love of her life – Ricardo Sifuentes Rodriguez – at a cleaner’s establishment. They married on August 31, 1956 and settled in Chicago, IL where the Lord blessed them with three beautiful children- John, Tomas, and Diana Rodriguez. Due to Ricardo’s work they moved to Brownsville, TX and ultimately to Houston, TX where the Lord blessed them again with three more beautiful children- Susan, Jesus, and Martina to complete their family of 8.

Juanita loved having all her family & grandchildren visit her. She is known for her extreme generosity towards others. Even after she raised her own kids, she raised the majority of her beautiful grandchildren as well. One of her favorite things to do was to cook for her kids and grandkids. Her two most favorable holidays were Thanksgiving and Christmas. She could not wait to make a huge Thanksgiving feast on her own, in which she prepared for days. There was always something special about her thanksgiving dinner. When she cooked she cooked with love. She has passed the secret recipe to a few members of the family, to whom will continue the family tradition. Christmas was her most favorite holiday because she loved decorating the house with Christmas lights & a grand tree for the kids. She would make her husband Ricardo take her to Macy’s and Palais Royal to buy gifts for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to see all the children’s excitement when they would open their presents and gift stockings. Giving was better than receiving in her eyes.

Juanita enjoyed playing the slot machines and being at the Casinos. It was something about those slot machines that would just make her glow. When she wasn’t glowing at the slot machines she was helping anyone who needed help. Whether it was having a simple conversation with someone or giving life long advice, she always put herself in a position to bless those around her. She was known to love the color purple which attributes to her compassionate personality. Her love for birds reflected her free spirit and beauty. Her love, passion, and purity blossomed just like the roses she nurtured. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma and great grandma. Juanita was a believer in the LORD JESUS and is now resting in paradise. She will be dearly missed.

Juanita is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ricardo Rodriguez. She had 6 children: John, Tomas, Diana, Susan, Jesus, and Martina; 19 grandchildren: Monica Nelson, Delia Rodriguez, Veronica Patino, Monique Martinez, Steve Milbourn, Michelle Garcia, Ericka Martinez, Daniel Prickrell, Eric Milbourn, Jesse Rodriguez Jr., Ricky Rodriguez, Natalie Miranda, Adolfo Garza IV., Jeremy Garza, Johnny Rodriguez, Sierra Rodriguez, Amanda Rodriguez, Mia Isabella Orozco, and Steve Sabala III.; 34 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Alicia Tapia.

Mom you fight the battle you won the victory you rank so high! Jesus clothes you with the Robe of Royalty you are a shinning star, a diamond. You received your crown of Halo's.