Katherine Odel Gutierrez

Katherine Odel Watts Gutierrez passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at the age of 88, at her home surrounded by her family. Born in San Antonio, Texas, to Joseph and Etta Watts, Katherine was the oldest of five children.

In 1951, Katherine was married to Zeverino Gamez Gutierrez who was serving in the United States Air Force and who was soon to be deployed to Korea. Katherine was the spouse of a career military husband. As a spouse, she experienced a number of moves in Texas, Washington and France. She also endured raising a family alone while her husband was stationed overseas in Korea and Greenland. The mental toughness of Katherine was balanced by a loving heart. She was affectionately called Mom and Memaw by her family. She took great joy and was an active part of rearing her grandchildren. In the time she spent with them, many of her values were passed on.

Mom loved crocheting, knitting and cross-stitching. Over the years, she made countless, personalized gifts. Later in life, arthritis, kidney disease and heart disease limited mom’s activities, but she never lost the ability to greet all visitors with a smile. She was sure to have drinks in the refrigerator and candy in the candy dish. Her candy dish was always stocked and loved by both adults and children. Her reply to anyone who asked for a drink or a piece of candy was always the same “of course, help yourself.” She always wanted to make any guest feel welcome.

Mom had a strong faith in God. When her health kept her home-bound, she would watch morning mass on TV. Mom lived her faith showing love to all and never saying an unkind word about anyone.

She is survived by her beloved children: Zeverino Gamez Gutierrez, Jr. and wife JoAnn; Guillerma Elkins and husband Gary; Kathy Schuchert and husband Jim; Daniel Odel Gutierrez and wife Julie; Anthony Gutierrez and wife Karolyn. She was a loving grandmother to 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, Zeverino Gamez Gutierrez; daughter Maria Gutierrez; grandsons, Daniel Schuchert and Travis Gutierrez; her parents, her brothers and sisters.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online to Meals on Wheels.

Visitation will be held at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749, on June 18, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the Rosary at the same location on June 18, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, 126 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704, on June 19, 2026, at 10:15 am. A Committal Service will be held at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, immediately following the funeral mass.