Juanita Galaviz, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Abilene, Kansas, on February 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 20, 1946, in El Paso, Texas, Juanita devoted her life to nurturing those she loved, finding joy in the simplest moments and inspiring everyone around her.

As a homemaker, Juanita poured her heart into creating a warm, welcoming home that became the neighborhood gathering place for family and friends, dedicating her life to raising her five children. She had a unique flair, always enjoying the little luxuries like having her nails painted red and styling her hair. Her bold red nails were a signature of her vibrant personality. A true friend to many, Juanita was affectionately known as “Granny,” a testament to her nurturing spirit and boundless capacity for love. She was always there to lend a helping hand, embodying kindness and compassion in everything she did.

Juanita, better known to most as “Granny,” took pride in her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She played an active part in all her grandchildren’s lives — from playing board games and dominoes, to taking her grandkids’ money playing “Toma Todo” and Lotería. Every day was special in its own way. No matter who was at Granny’s house, she made them feel like family. Making food for friends and family was one of the many ways Granny showed her love. From her fried burritos and ceviche — made lovingly for her “son of a bichies” — to her iconic lasagna, Granny poured her heart into every dish.

Juanita relished playing board games, listening to music, watching her favorite show, Family Feud, and solving word searches with her children and grandchildren. There was hardly a birthday she ever forgot; celebrating her loved ones was one of her proudest accomplishments. To be “Mom” to her children and a cherished “Granny” to all her grandchildren meant the world to her.

Juanita took great pride in her legacy, surrounded by her grandchildren — David, Angelica, Luis R., Maria, Valerie, Luis J. Jr., Mariah, Alfredo, Annabelle, Jesus Jr., Mariela, Annelise, and Frankie — and her great-grandchildren, Destinee, Donovan, Sean, Sebastian, Derek, Ziah, Andrew, Erica, Esmeralda, and Violeta. She was also preceded in death by her beloved fur baby, Princess.

Juanita’s strong belief that “God was in control” guided her through life and provided a sense of peace she shared with everyone. Now that Juanita has passed into the arms of Our Lord, we are reminded that while this is the end of her physical life on Earth, it is the beginning of an eternal and beautiful journey for her in Heaven.

She leaves behind her cherished daughters, Gloria Duran Orozco, Diana Duran Saenz, and Irma Duran, as well as her sons, Francisco C. Duran Jr. and Jesus Duran. Juanita is also survived by her siblings, Lucy Holguin, Ponciano Holguin, Miguel Holguin, and Ricardo Holguin, who will undoubtedly miss her thoughtful nature and infectious joy.

Juanita Galaviz was preceded in death by her parents, Tomas and Jesusita Piseno Galaviz, who laid the foundation that helped shape the remarkable woman she became. Her spirit will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched, rich with memories that will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

We warmly invite all who knew and were touched by Juanita’s spirit to join us in celebrating her life at a Memorial Service at Saint Gertrude Catholic Church in Bell Gardens, California. Burial will take place at Oakdale Mortuary and Memorial Park in Glendora, California.