Virginia "Jean, Jeanie, Ginny and Virg” (Gutierrez) Reyes

Virginia was the third of five children born to Carmen and Samuel Gutierrez. She was an active child who enjoyed working with her father outside rather than household chores with her mother and older sisters. She could drive a tractor by age 10 and would have earned her drivers’ license at age 14 if the law had not increased the age requirement to 16 that year.

Virginia graduated from San Bernardino High School where she was a member of Tri-S and president of the Pan American Club. She was employed at Norton AFB where she met and married Jesse Reyes who was stationed there.

Virginia was an excellent and loving mother to her three children Karen, Kathy and John (deceased). She encouraged the love of music and sports, attending every concert and game.

Virginia returned to work for the Federal Government in 1975 after her divorce, where she worked until retirement in December 1996.

Virginia exercised her entire life starting yoga in her 20s, Tai Chi in her 40s and Pilates in her 60s. She walked her dog Tootsie twice a day and was known throughout her neighborhood. She was a devoted grandmother to her four grandchildren, and to her eight great-grandchildren. She wrote letters and took pictures placing an indelible footprint into their lives.

Virginia is survived by her two daughters, Karen and Kathy, son and daughter in law Hal Watchman and Nancy Dodd, four grandchildren Angela, Madelyne, Gary and Andrew, plus 8 great grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters Bertha Lozano, Rachael Mitchell (Mel), Velia Lee and her brother Samuel O Gutierrez (Brenda). She leaves a myriad of nieces, nephews, and friends. To know her was to love her.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Pancreatic Cancer Research.