Juanita “Piñe” Barrientos age 84, passed away peacefully at home in Phoenix, Arizona on the morning of July 22, 2021. Juanita was born on November 11, 1936 in Goliad County Texas to Consuelo Gerra and Jesus Martinez Garcia. Although Juanita spent most of her childhood and young adult life in Texas, she moved to Arizona in the 1960’s with her husband Arnoldo Barrientos, where she remained the rest of her life. There she raised her beautiful family, worked very hard, and lived a good life.
Despite only having an 8th grade education, she successfully entered the workforce with Motorola and retired after 24 years of service. If that wasn’t enough, she re-entered the workforce as a commercial drivers licensed school bus driver for the Isaac School District and retired again after 10 years of service. She exemplified the meaning of hard work and never made excuses. She did everything in her power to provide for her family.
Juanita was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend anyone could ask for. She was a strong and selfless woman. She was loved by all those she encountered throughout her lifetime. Juanita was an amazing cook and baker and was known for her delicious pancakes. She never hesitated to open her doors to help those in need including family, friends, and strangers.
She is preceded in death by her husband Arnoldo Barrientos and daughters Marie Yvette and Dina Deborah. Juanita is survived by her children Diana, Delma, Delia, Dora, Arnold Jr. (Lydia), Juanita Ketterling (James), and Denise Carr (Anthony), her 20 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several siblings, nieces, nephews, and close family friends. Juanita’s love was unconditional and irreplaceable. She will be missed dearly.
A visitation will be held at 11:00 AM with a Funeral Service starting at 12:00 PM on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 PM at the VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix.