Juanita Catherine Garza

She was born on August 9, 1943, in Calvert, Texas, to Leonarda and Pedro Rodriguez. Juanita was raised in Kaufman, Texas. She was a retired machinist supervisor.

In her retirement, Juanita taught herself carpentry and updated multiple spaces in her home as well as the homes of other family members. In her spare time Juanita enjoyed working on her home, cooking, dancing, sewing, attending church, telling jokes, laughing, and spending time with her family. She enjoyed sports and was a proud fan of the Washington Redskins and the New York Yankees.

Her family and friends will always remember the sacrificial love by which she served her family. She was a fierce protector of those she loved and made that known immediately anytime someone mistreated her family.

Her legacy is love and strength. That strength taught her family that life can be challenging, but we can do hard things and when we are knocked down, we will get back up and keep moving forward.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband of 39 years, Jose’ Garza, Jr.; brothers Jim, Sam, Francisco, Thomas, and Fred; and son-in-law Gerald Bowyer.

Juanita is survived by Max and Barbara Mondragon of Sachse, Maria Bowyer of Garland, Miguel and Jeanine Mondragon of Garland; granddaughter Ana Valdez of Carrollton, grandson Johnathon Valdez and spouse Emily Valdez; and great grandchildren Madilyn, Jaxon, and Judah of Arlington; step-grandchildren Eric and spouse Peggy of Garland and Nicole and Max Chance of Long Island; sisters Angela Garza of Plano, Margaret Farmer and spouse Marion of Colorado, Maria Rodriguez of Colorado, Shirley Rodriguez of Colorado, sister-in-law Brenda Rodriguez; brothers Agapito Rodriguez and spouse Bonnie, Jose Rodriguez, and Michael Rodriguez and spouse Bernadette; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rosary will be held Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 600 S. Jupiter Rd., Richardson, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m.