LITA ALVAREZ GUTIERREZ

Your spirit will forever inspire and comfort us.

Obituary

On August 12, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, Lita Alvarez Gutierrez, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away. Born in Los Angeles, California, on January 4, 1950, as Lita Alvarez, she radiated a light that touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Affectionately called "Panchis" by her father and brothers, a nickname that translates to "free one" or "free woman," Lita embodied independence, boldness, and a love for freedom. She often spoke fondly of her childhood, when her mother provided stability and her seven siblings shared a close bond. Together with her sisters, they were renowned for their beauty, laughter, and active involvement in their Apostolic church.

Lita met the love of her life, Danny Gutierrez, at a young age, and they tied the knot on May 19, 1969. Their union resulted in four sons and a daughter. Their home became a sanctuary filled with music, faith, and laughter, welcoming friends and family with open arms. Lita cherished her role as a mother and grandmother above all else, while her unwavering faith acted as an anchor throughout her life's journey.

A woman of extraordinary abilities, Lita excelled in every endeavor she undertook. She found joy in expressing her creativity through custom craft designs and seamstress skills, which she honed over her lifetime. Generously sharing her gifts with her church community, she crafted stunning costumes for numerous plays and productions, created floral arrangements for family weddings, and designed intricate handmade dolls. At one point, owning her shop in La Habra allowed her to design costumes and props for several professional productions, showcasing her artistic talents.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Lita possessed remarkable intelligence, contributing to the businesses of her late husband and sons over the years. She adeptly managed back-office operations, demonstrating her skill in the corporate world.

Lita will be forever cherished as a vibrant spirit whose infectious laughter and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Her legacy of creating beauty through her hands remains a testament to her essence.

Mrs. Gutierrez leaves behind her sons, Michael, Robert, Daniel, and Phillip Gutierrez; grandchildren, Andrew, Krystal, Jeramy, Jordan, Steven and Holden Gutierrez and great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Audriana, Adam, Christopher, Jose, Leila, Aria, Scarlett, and Genesis Gutierrez. She is also survived by her sisters, Bertha, Inez, and Katie Gutierrez.

Lita joins her parents, Juan Cavilla Alvarez and Cesaria "Lita" Alvarez; her husband, Danny Gutierrez; her daughter, Denise Gutierrez; her brothers, Johnny, Abel, Eddie, and her sister Terry Alvarez, who all preceded her in death. May her memory forever be a source of comfort and inspiration.

Lita will be deeply missed. A celebration of Lita’s life will be held at a private event on August 24, 2024, at her son's home, with close friends and family, a small intimate celebration just as Lita requested before her passing.

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Memory wall

August 24, 2024

I met Robert when we were 14 years old. My childhood was pretty chaotic, when I was 15 Dan and Lita took me in. My life went from chaotic to stable overnight. Lita had such a gentle spirit, but such strength of character. She modeled to me the grace and mercy of Jesus. I would not be the husband, father, or called into the ministry if it were not for the mentorship and love I received from her. I look forward to seeing her and Dan again , one glorious day.

Daniel Farley

August 21, 2024

My condolences to the entire family.
Lita and Dan were such a positive influence to me and my kids. So much laughter, joy and wonderful memories. Your spirit will live on through your children and grandchildren.

Eduardo Almada

August 16, 2024

So many memories i will cherish of you aunt Lita . our many talks and thank you for always loving my mom . she loved you and missed you dearly. give her a big hug for me . Forever in our hearts 💔🌹

Veronica

August 16, 2024

My Condolences to the Family🌹
My Best Friend Lita. I’m really going to miss her. We have been friends since High School, throughout the years we would stay in touch or look for each other to see how we’re doing. Until one year I moved from L.A. To La Puente, Danny and Lita came in town from New Mexico. Apostolic’s. And met up with my brother Julian and Mary. Then Danny and Lita gave us Bible Studies and we were babtized in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Those are true friends. I’ll never ever forget them and the love of Jesus in their precious hearts.
Lita, was my precious friend all my life. We laughed so much when we were together and yet we thought we were real tuff. We would tell each other our secrets, our thoughts. We were not snitches either. It was between me and my Homegirl. I’m going to miss her. She went over yonder to be with My Lord….
Forever Friends
Suzy♥️I’ll always love Lita♥️

Suzy Willie

August 16, 2024

When I told Lita I was thinking of creating a Tribute show to Amy Winehouse, she said “why would you want to do that?” This made me laugh. She was never afraid to speak her mind. When she realized she liked the music, she dove in and we went shopping in downtown LA, scouring the city for our show. She made me the most incredible custom dresses, beautiful lamps and helped me perfect the hair and makeup. She traveled with us for several years and we had so many good times. I receive endless compliments on her work. She did everything with excellence.

I have so many memories of her and am so grateful I got to be part of her story. Thank you Lita, for all you did for me, for your Grace, your example and your love. I will miss you.

Mia Gutierrez

August 16, 2024

I was so surprised to see that Lita passed away today to on Facebook. Although we never met physically I always felt a kinship because we shared the same political views on Facebook. I met Lita through Fred Madrid, I am his girlfriend Margaret. I admired Lita for her honesty and warmth. Fred and I will miss her. May She Rest In Peace and God be with Her.💗🌹

Margaret Gonzalez

August 16, 2024

Grandma, I have to start off by thanking you for being a huge part of shaping my childhood. I will forever remember the house in La Mirada, Andrew and I climbing the huge tree in the front, rolling down big grassy hill, always swimming in the pool and me sneaking to play with Phillip and Daniels instruments when they weren't around. I also remember you always had quarters for Andrew and I whenever the ice cream truck came. And the times you asked Grandpa for money so we could skip school and you would take us to Knotts Barry Farm. I will always remember the Snow white dress you made for Halloween when I was 5. I can go on and on with so many memories you gave me as I was growing up, not just me but Andrew too. You have always been there for us no matter what and I could never thank you enough. You are the best grandma we could ever have 💖
You will forever hold a very special place in my heart and I will never forget all the memories you created for me. I love you so much grandma and I'm going to miss you so much. Forever in my heart

Krystal Gutierrez

August 15, 2024

In loving memory of my beautiful mom, Lita Alvarez Gutierrez.

My heart is shattered, I’m trying to keep busy and work through this but it is so hard.

You are a woman who brought so much joy, love, and warmth into the lives of those blessed to have known you. I’m trying hard to accept this Mom, it’s just so hard.

I will never forget you standing in the glass oval window, just your silhouette was visible, watching me head off to the Marine Corps, I know it was hard for you and a bit scary. Your “Mr Wonderful” (what you called me) was going to be away from you and it was hard, I remember you telling me how difficult that was. Mom, I feel like I’m staring through a glass window unable to reach you, and it's hard, and hurts, so much.

Your love and guidance shaped who I am today as a man, you’ve taught me so much and I’m not sure what to do daily now that you are gone. I feel lost, I know I need to figure it out, and I will as I know you're still giving me love and support spiritually.

I will always cherish the memories of your infectious laughter, support through hard times, and continuous love. Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you’ve touched, I look forward to seeing you again. As Mike said, say Hi to Dad for me, Love you so much. Your son, Rob

Robert Gutierrez

August 15, 2024

Lita, my heart feels so broken to know that you are no longer here with us! I know that you are now in the hands of our Lord!
I miss you so much! We shared some precious time together!
I will treasure these memories!💙
I love you!
I am so grateful for the time I was able to hold your hand and pray with you!
Save me a place in Heaven because I’m going to see you AGAIN!💕💕soon!

I love ❤️ you, your sister Bertha!

Bertha Tafoya

August 15, 2024

I'm sorry for your loss. It's heartbreaking even after time passes. My heart is with you and your family. Auntie Lita was so beautiful. When people told me I looked like her. I was delighted to hear that, even though I didn't think I did. She was so talented as well. Your Mom did all the flowers for my wedding to Edward. When she still lived in La Mirada, I would go visit her by myself, and we would go have lunch and, at that time, take things to your sister Denise. She would call me and check on how I was doing. I appreciated that.
It's definitely hard letting go. My sincere condolences. Anything I can do. Please don't hesitate to ask. Love you

-Loretta 🥀❤️

Loretta Tafoya

August 15, 2024

Our first born (Andrew) arrived Nov. 3 1987. two years later our daughter (Krystal)arrived. From day one Mom was always there. She helped raise our children and for that we will forever be grateful. We couldn't have done it without her. Her grandchildren will especially miss her as she was always someone they could reach out to over the years. There are so many memories of her and how she was with my children that words couldn't do it justice. She will be greatly missed by all of our family.

We love you Mom, say hi to Dad...
Michael and Elia

Michael & Elia Gutierrez

August 15, 2024

I remember when Lita was like 3 or 4 years old and we lived in Norwalk. I guess my Dad watched movies of Pancho Villa a Mexican Hero. Lita was one of Dad's favorites she was so cute and he spoiled her, and she ran around with a cowboy hat and Holster with guns on each side, she had braids and Dad used to call her Panchi. Too cute. Sister Inez

Inez Alvarez

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