Josie Gutierrez

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful Josephine “Josie” Morales (Palacio) Gutierrez, 81, who passed away at her La Junta home with her husband, Abe Gutierrez by her side. She was born on September 18, 1940, in Swink to Salvador & Nellie (Morales) Palacio.

Josie attended and was educated through the West School, and later, obtained her GED, through Otero Junior College, which was a very proud moment for her.

Josie was a proud member of the Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish and was a faithful servant of God.

While raising her children, Josie worked for 20+ years as a waitress for both Frances Cafe and the Kit Carson Hotel. She then transitioned to Wal-Mart before retiring in 2004. Josie was generous, friendly, kind, and outgoing. She loved everyone she met, treating no one as a stranger. She was famous for her cooking, especially for her Christmas tamales. She was also renowned for her embroidery. Many of her friends and relatives have beautiful hand-stitched keepsakes made by her, especially for them.

Josie was brave until the end, worrying about her family before thinking of herself. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Josie is survived by her husband of 59 years, Abe Gutierrez, daughters, Debbie Burt and Tina (Troy) Raymond; grandchildren, Cullen Burt, Bailey (Kalee) Raymond, Tanner, Caden, and Griffen Raymond, Serena, Tristin and Tori Gutierrez; great-grandchildren, Jameson Raymond and Remi Gutierrez; siblings, Linda, Carmen, Lydia, Alex, Raymond, Andrew and Robert. She was preceded in death by her parents, Salvador & Nellie Palacio; grandmother, Elvira Morales, son, Larry “Chip” James Gutierrez, and son-in-law, Brad Nolan Burt.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. followed by Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Joseph Matitu officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in La Junta.

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