Juanita Rivera Baldwin, 80, a longtime resident of Pagosa Springs, peacefully went “home” on Aug. 6, 2024, in Tyler, Texas, with her daughter Suzanne and son-in-law Larry at her side. She had been visiting Texas for the last three years.
Juanita was born on May 29, 1944, in Arboles, Colo., to Juan Teodoro and Margarita Carrillo Rivera.
She and her family lived in Allison until 1958, when they moved to Pagosa Springs. She met and married the love of her life, her viejo, Gary Louis Baldwin, on Feb. 9, 1974, and together they raised four children. She loved spending time with her family and friends, going to church, crocheting, sewing, cooking and being outdoors in the mountains. She loved her summer visits to Texas. If you knew Juanita, you knew she loved listening to music, especially Elvis.
Juanita has humbly joined the love of her life, Gary Louis Baldwin; her parents, Juan Teodoro and Margarita Rivera; her brothers, Ike Rivera, Raymond Rivera and Ted Rivera; her sisters, Pilar Martinez, Fabiola Rivas and Alexandra “Sandra” Martinez.
Juanita leaves behind her four children: Charles Martinez and Jean, of Pagosa Springs; Suzanne Martinez Reeves and Larry, of Mabank, Texas; Tina Baldwin, of Aztec, N.M.; and Louis Baldwin and Bryan, of Thornton, Colo.; and her five grandchildren: Nacona Chavez and DJ, of Pagosa Springs; Cory Reeves, of Houston, Texas; Adam Reeves and Madison, of Odessa, Texas; Sara Reeves and Mason, of Gun Barrel City, Texas; and Haley Lyda, of Aztec, N.M.; and her seven great-grandchildren: Aniya, Kylie and Rylan Chavez, of Pagosa Springs; Saylor and Marshall Blaser, of Gun Barrel City, Texas; Conor and Penelope Reeves, of Odessa, Texas; and her sister, Dolores Gurule, of Pagosa Springs; her sister in law, Dora Rivera, of Durango, Colo.; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Juanita’s funeral will take place at a later date in Pagosa Springs. She will be missed by many.
