Maria Noelia Herrera

November 29, 1950-February 23. 2022

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (1 Timothy 4:7)

After fighting the good fight and keeping the faith, our beloved mother, wife, grandma (Tutu), sister, tia, and nina Maria Herrera finished her race and went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 23, 2022, surrounded by her adoring family.

Maria is survived by her three children Gina Billson and twins Christopher Herrera and Christy Hinojosa; her sons-in-law Jason Billson and Abraham Hinojosa; her grandchildren Jaden Herrera and Joey Hinojosa, Janeah and Jordan Herrera, and Owen and Ani Billson. Maria’s children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and the entirety of her world. Maria is also survived by her siblings Irma Boyar, Johnny Gaitan, Reynaldo Gaitan Jr., Guadalupe Rueda, Hermelinda Gaitan, Minerva Amaya, Norma Arellano, nieces, nephews, and friends whom she considered to be family.

Maria was greeted in Heaven by her husband Daniel John Herrera, parents Reynaldo

and Rosalva Gaitan, her aunt/best friend Alicia Salazar, and her sister Pilar Gaitan.

Maria was born in Ralls, Texas on November 29, 1950, and was the second born of 10 children. Her family moved to Bakersfield, California in 1955 where she attended local elementary schools and graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1969. After graduation she worked at J.J. Newberry’s, an

American five and dime store, then worked at her children’s elementary school Leo

G. Pauly as a teacher’s aide while her children attended school there.

She eventually found her calling and began working for insurance agencies such

as Charpentier Insurance, South Valley Insurance, Walter Mortensen, and then in April 2009 Maria

found her home with Stockdale Insurance Company. Maria had a strong work ethic and loved her clients, many of whom became her friends.

Maria loved Jesus wholeheartedly. She was a faithful believer. She attended Valley Bible Fellowship for over 35 years. One of Maria’s spiritual gifts was her spirit filled prayers. When Maria prayed with you, you really felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Maria loved spending time with her family. Every Sunday, she and her sisters would meet at their parents’ house to visit and spend time with one other. She enjoyed shopping (especially early on Saturdays!), her annual vacation with her sisters, and cooking a homemade meal for her family (her authentic Mexican food and potato salad will be dearly missed). She loved to bake and was known for delicious holiday desserts.

Maria could be impatient with certain things in life but kept her language PG, so it was always interesting to see what words she would come up with to express her frustration. A favorite name to call someone who tried her patience was “looneytune!” These unique alternatives always drew a laugh from those around her.

Maria was unwavering in her loyalty to her loved ones, and those who were blessed enough to know her felt her loyalty, support, and comfort daily. She will be missed for all of these things, but most importantly she will be missed for her constant outpouring of love to her children and grandchildren.

Maria, an angel here on Earth to her family, is now our angel in Heaven.

Celebration of life for both Daniel and Maria will follow her service. Details at service.