Juanita Hernandez

Juanita Hernandez (84) of Kansas City, Kansas passed away peacefully in the family home of 63 years on Sunday, January 23, 2022. She drew her last earthly breath and born to eternal life while in the arms of her family. Mass of Christian Burial with Celebrant Father Scott Wallisch, Concelebrant Monsignor Michael Mullin and Deacon Tom Mulvenon will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with the Rosary prayed at 9:40 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS. Burial immediately to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shawnee, KS 66203 Juanita was born in Argentine, Kansas on July 24, 1937 to Cruz Salas and Delores Mendez Salas. She was a life-long resident of Kansas City, Kansas. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church while raising her children and a member of Holy Name Catholic Church during her older active years before being diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in July, 2008 and later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2015. She attended Argentine High School where she met her husband, Joe. As the story goes, Joe and his family were displaced from their Armourdale home due to the 1951 flood and subsequently attended Argentine High School where the courtship began. They received the Sacrament of Matrimony on October 5, 1957 at St. John the Divine Catholic Church in Argentine, KS. Her life’s vocation as a homemaker tending to her home, loving her husband and raising her four children in the Strawberry Hill area brought her great delight throughout the years. She enjoyed road trip traveling with her husband and children every summer. In later years, the traveling continued jetting around the country with her husband and only grandson Rudy. Her last trip was in 2018 with her husband, eldest daughter and grand dog Pelagia. This final trip took her through mountain passes in the Colorado Rockies, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway Buena Vista, Greeley and a visit to see her grandson Rudy in Denver. For many years she enjoyed family Sunday breakfast around the dining room table, watching football on Sunday afternoons and attending Chief’s home games as a season ticket holder in Old Municipal Stadium and Arrowhead in the 1960’s and 1970’s. She and her husband loved date night every Saturday, catching a movie and/or going to Mexican dance halls. Her relationship with Jesus and our Blessed Virgin Mary grew deeper with her Sacristan responsibilities during the years she was a member at Holy Name Catholic Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Her devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe was exhibited through her prayerful life, praying the rosary and attending Mass. Juanita’s instruction and teaching continued long after she was in her late stage of Alzheimer’s. Life lessons of Faith, Hope and Love in those sacred four years when she was completely dependent on her husband were her final gifts bestowed upon us. She was a beloved and faithful servant with whom Jesus is likely well pleased. Mom, thank you for caring for your husband throughout the years and giving your four children the gift of life. Juanita was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Jennifer Jo Sanchez Rizo, her father and mother Cruz Salas and Delores Mendez Salas. Left to cherish her memory, husband Joseph of 64 years, of the family home; daughters Juanita Ann (Tunie) Hernandez, Shawnee, Kansas; Janice Sharp (Mike), Olathe, Kansas; son Joseph Jr. (Cheryl), Kansas City, Kansas and grandson Rodolfo G. (Rudy) Sanchez III and partner David Dancker, Denver, Colorado; sisters Beatrice Ramirez, Grace Hernandez, Josephine Roach, Mary Villegas, Carol LeDesma and brothers Raymond Rios, Gene (Kathy) Maya and Joe (Pat) Maya. And, numerous nieces and nephews. Most gracious gratitude to Harbor Hospice, friend Raz Ramirez and caretaker Taylor Barnett who helped keep Mom in her home of 63 years. Also, heartfelt thanks to everyone for your prayers, love and support. Everyone is invited to enjoy family and friends at a luncheon in the Parish Hall.

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Juanita Hernandez

July 24, 1937 - January 23, 2022