Alifonsa "Ollie" Gutierrez

Alifonsa "Ollie" Gutierrez, 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones on July 4, 2024, at Providence Hospital. Services will be Monday, July 8, at 11 a.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, July 7, from 5-7 p.m.

Ollie was born in Taft, Texas, on July 15, 1936. Her parents were farmers who regularly traveled between Groesbeck and Mexia for work. They settled in Waco in 1943. On January 22, 1954, she eloped to marry Pete Gutierrez Sr., and as she put it, he chased after her until she said yes.

This year, the two celebrated 70 years of life together. She was a beloved H. E. B. Partner for the past 33 years. She loved meeting and greeting people while offering samples of the day, never missing an opportunity to share her faith, an encouragement, a smile, and a "God Bless You!" Her hobbies included three things...plants, plants, and more plants! Her joy in life was cooking for her family, always making enough for the entire neighborhood. She loved the Lord with all her heart, going to church services, and singing songs of worship. She spent countless hours praying and reading God's Word in her war room. She loved every moment she could fellowship with her prayer ladies and her special elderly friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pablo and Natividad Bustamante; her brother, Maxie Bustamante; sister, Simona Diaz; and granddaughter, Lori Zarate.

She is survived by her husband, Pete Gutierrez Sr. of Waco; sons, Pete Gutierrez Jr. and wife, Cheryl of Brady; Richard Gutierrez Sr. and wife, Angela of Hewitt; Christopher Gutierrez and wife, Shea of Abbott; daughters, Rosie Zarate and husband, Jose of Hillsboro; Barbara Gutierrez of Waco; Theresa Ostrom and husband, Ronald of China Spring; grandchildren, Joey Zarate, Nikki Rhea and husband, Alan; Ruben Chavez Jr. and wife, Melissa; Richard Gutierrez Jr. and wife, Andrea; Derrick Chavez; Roman Carreon and wife, Maria; Arthur Maldonado and wife, Cynthia; Andre Santiago; Brittany Poole and husband, Jordan; Regan Henry and husband, Blake;

Ryan Maldonado; Fallyn Kolar and husband, Aaron; Michelle Senter and husband, Clark;

Trenton Gutierrez and wife, Kayla; 29 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sister, Lupita Alexander of Seton; and her special H. E. B. Family.

Pallbearers: grandsons, Joey Zarate; Ruben Chavez Jr.; Richard Gutierrez Jr.; Derrick Chavez; Roman Carreon; Arthur Maldonado; Ryan Maldonado; Trenton Gutierrez

Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, family, and friends who have cared for her and loved her well, especially during these past few months.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and K-Love Radio Network.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on Ollie’s "Tribute Wall" at www.whbfamily.com