Jane S. Hernandez

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loved one, Jane S. Hernandez who passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024. She was born on Wednesday, June 5, 1957, in La Junta, CO to Cruz and Ruth (Sanchez) Cordova. She was fondly known as Janie.

Janie’s life was one of service and love, first as a nurse and then as an educator. She graduated from La Junta High School in 1975, and then continued at Otero College, where she earned her Associate of Arts Degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her career as a nurse was not long, since she decided to continue her education at Colorado State University where she received her Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Elementary and Bilingual Education. Her career as an elementary school teacher spanned over three decades, where she touched the lives of countless young students with her compassion and dedication. She was a true advocate for her students.

On June 2, 1990, Janie married the love of her life, Anthony John Hernandez, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in La Junta, CO. Together, they built a life filled with love and joy, raising their beautiful daughter Shannon (Isaac) Montanez. Janie’s legacy further blossomed with her four grandchildren: Ivaan, Iliaas, Isaai, and Ike, all of whom she adored. Janie had a loving presence in her grandchildren’s lives.

Janie’s favorite hobbies were working out, gardening, and cooking nutritious meals. However, she was an excellent baker. Her yellow cake with milk chocolate icing was always requested and was a staple at family gatherings. Janie always put in the extra effort to make her home beautiful. It wasn’t just the furnishings and wall colors that looked nice, but everything was always tasteful and understated and always looked perfect. Janie had a special bond with her sisters, Rose Mary and Florida. She was always there for them with her love, encouragement and support. When the three sisters were together there weren’t any problems that they couldn’t solve.

Janie is survived by her husband, Anthony John Hernandez; her daughter, Shannon (Isaac) Montanez; grandchildren, Ivaan, Iliaas, Isaai and Ike Montanez; sisters, Florida (George) Vigil and Rose Mary (Kirk Bedwell) Wentling; Aunt, Mary Romero; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. She is preceded in death by her parents, Cruz and Ruth Cordova; sisters, Bernice Marie Cordova, Bernice Aragon; brothers, Jerry Cordova, Thomas Cordova, Cruz Jose Cordova, Frank Cordova, Johnny Cordova.

From a very young age, Janie was a faithful believer and follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. She was sincere, kind, gracious, strong, and a good role-model. Now that Janie has passed into the arms of our Lord, her physical life on earth is over, but it is the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for her. John 11:25-26 "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."

Janie will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was humble, gentle, quiet, sweet, and beautiful. Her spirit of generosity and care will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

The family requests a private mass and service to celebrate Janie’s life.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.