ZAPATA, TEXAS - Elsa was born on July 22, 1944, in Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas to Manuel and Cleotilde Saenz. In 1966, she met her future husband Nicolas I. Gutierrez, in Zapata, Texas, and married on September 30, 1967. They began their family with their oldest son, Nick, on June 11, 1968. Their second son, Danny, was born on May 8, 1970, and their youngest daughter, Marlen, was born on November 25, 1976. Through their early years of marriage, they lived in different parts of Texas while her husband Nico worked. She was a dedicated mother, devoted wife, sister, daughter, and grandmother. Her joys in life were spending time with her family and traveling to attend and celebrate her grandchildren's various endeavors and accomplishments. She dedicated herself tirelessly and selflessly to ensuring that her husband, children, and grandchildren were taken care of, even if she had to drive hundreds of miles to care for them. Her life was the happiest when she was surrounded by her family making memories together. Her life revolved around the people she loved and cared for.

Elsa had great faith in her religious beliefs. She instilled the importance of the Catholic faith to her children and grandchildren and emphasized its significance every chance she had. She loved spending time at the ranch, catching cattle, driving trucks and trailers, branding cattle, and just spending time at the ranch. She had many memorable moments with her husband at the ranch, and she would tell stories to her grandchildren with such joy and passion on her face. Even though she experienced unprecedented times during her life, she persevered and transformed them into learning experiences.

Elsa Saenz Gutierrez was called to her final resting place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Harlingen Medical Center. She was 80 years old at the time of her passing. Even though we will miss her tremendously, we know that she has now been reunited with her son, Nick, whom she lost 33 years ago. They are rejoicing in heaven and we know that there was a huge celebration in her honor when she got to the gates of heaven where Nick welcomed her with open arms.

Elsa is preceded in death by her son, Nicolas (Nick) I. Gutierrez, Jr., parents, Manuel and Cleotilde Saenz, her in-laws, Eliseo and Adelida Gutierrez, brothers-in-law, Guillermo Pina, Alfredo Gutierrez, Eliseo Gutierrez, Jr., and Jose F. (Pepe) Gutierrez.

Elsa is survived by her husband of 56 years, Nicolas I. Gutierrez, son Daniel (Ruby) Gutierrez, daughter, Marlen (David) Guerra, grandchildren, Kelsie (Clyde, III) Guerra, Shawn Daniel Gutierrez, Derek Gutierrez, Ryan Guerra, and Delaney Gutierrez, sisters, Andicia (+Guillermo) Pina, Mardelicia Martinez, Sisters-in-law, Antonia (Teofilo) Vela, Juanita (Valdo) Ramirez, Mague (+Andy) Gerush, Olga Benavides, Thelma (+Alfredo) Gutierrez, Belen (+Eliseo, Jr.) Gutierrez, Ella Mae, Chicken, (+Jose F., Pepe) Gutierrez and by numerous nephews, nieces, and other family members and friends.

Visitation hours were held Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am with a rosary at 10:00 am. The funeral procession departed at 11:00 am for a funeral mass at 11:30 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Committal service followed at El Ranchito cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.