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 environment for her family. 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” throughout her community, 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.
Family was Juanita's focus and purpose. She relished playing board games, listening to music, and solving word searches with her children and grandchildren. There was hardly a birthday she ever forgot, for celebrating her loved ones was one of her proudest accomplishments. To be “Mom” to her children and a cherished grandmother to her grandchildren meant the world to her. She 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; 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. Her laughter filled the rooms she entered, echoing as she enjoyed her favorite show, Family Feud, a reflection of her love for fun and family bonding.
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 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.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Saint Gertrude Catholic Church in Bell Gardens, California. Burial will take place at Oakdale Mortuary and Memorial Park in Glendora, California. Service arrangements in California will be under the direction of Allen English and Estrada Funeral Home.