ZAPATA, TEXAS---Nilda M. Gutierrez 91, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023 at her residence in Zapata, Texas.

Miss. Gutierrez is preceded in death by her parents, Narciso and Antonia Gutierrez; brothers, Hector J. (Raquel F.) Gutierrez, Adalberto (Janie) Gutierrez; sisters, Melinda G. Gutierrez and Maria Del Refugio "Mayita" Gutierrez.

Miss. Gutierrez is survived by her nieces and nephews, Hector M. Gutierrez, Priscilla G. (Manuel) Muñoz, Clarissa G. Rodriguez, Jorge A. Gutierrez, Adriana G. (David) Garcia, Sandra Gutierrez and by numerous grandnephews, grandnieces and other family members and friends.

As an educator for Zapata County Independent School District, she served as a Home Economics teacher and counselor. She also sponsored several school organizations and Senior classes.

In the early 1970's, she became one of the first members of the Zapata County Fair organization. Miss Gutierrez and Mrs. Elma Martinez organized the Bake Off and Sewing competitions.  Besides cooking and sewing competitions, they organized the first Zapata County Fair Queens Contest. In her later years, she was honored as Zapata County Fair Parade Marshall with Mrs. Elma Martinez. Mrs Martinez was not only her colleague but a very dear friend.

For years, Nilda was actively involved in many church activities. One of her greatest joys was  being a member of the church choir. In her early years, she sang with many of her close friends.  Later, she continued to sing and play the guitar with former students and a newer generation of members.

She was a member of the Scared Heart Organization. She participated in many of their events.

In addition to her community and school activities, she was a longtime member of the Birthday Club. She celebrated many birthdays with her dear cousins and very close friends.

Her travels took her to many countries. On her return she would share her experiences with great excitement and enthusiasm.

Nilda was affectionately known as "Miss Guti" by her students who loved her dearly. Many of her students became close friends. Always sharing fond memories of the time she taught them in school.

For her commitment and dedication to her students and teaching, the Zapata High School yearbook was dedicated to her.  She was truly humbled and honored.

Nilda was devoted to her parents, sister, brothers and her nieces and nephews. She loved them as her very own children. The love she gave was reciprocated by her family.

Her many cousins, neighbors and friends were all very dear to her. Sharing travel adventures, family celebrations and having a good time visiting was part of her everyday routine.

Miss Guti loved learning. She was an avid reader and was always aware of world happenings by keeping up with local, state and world news. Keeping up with the times and sharing with others was one of her pastimes.

A proud high school graduate from Holding Institute. She attended many High School reunions in Mexico and in the United States. She went off to Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas.  In 1955, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics.  Later, she obtained her Master's degree from Antioc College.

The family would like to thank her loving and caring caregivers Dominga Sanchez Esquivel and Laura Ledesma. Nurses on Wheels, Nora Martinez, Sonia Montemayor and Dr Mary Garcia. A special thanks to her longtime and dedicated physician Dr. Luis M. Benavides.

Nilda will always be remembered as a kind, gracious lady who served as a mentor and role model to many.  Miss Guti always lead by example, inspired many, and touched many lives.

Visitation hours will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

On Wednesday, December 6, 2023 we will open at 8:00 a.m. and the funeral procession will depart at 9:45 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery.

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