Ausencia Gutierrez

Ausencia Castilleja Gutierrez, 91, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 24, 2016. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, October 28, 2016 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Ausencia was born December 18, 1924 in New Braunfels, Texas to Francisco and Manuela Castilleja.

She first met eyes with her future husband, Gregorio Gutierrez, at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio in 1942, as he was waiting to board for training before his World War II tour of duty. Even before being introduced, she knew he was the one she would marry. They started their lives together in 1946 in Seguin and moved to Abilene in 1955, where they raised their children and took care of their grandchildren.

Ausencia's favorite pastime was quilting, and Gregorio enjoyed buying her quilting fabric. They were faithful members of the University Church of Christ.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 70 years, who passed away August 27, 2016; her parents; brothers Nato, Lalo and Chencho; sisters Maria, Josie and Tina; and her daughter-in-law, Pamela.

Survivors include her children Greg (Rosa), Tony, Janie Garza (Esteban), Petra Rodriguez, Frances Carrion (Julian), Danny (JoAnn), Jesse, Frank (Denise) and Joe (Lori), all of Abilene; Chabela Anguiano (Roberto) from Benbrook; Cynthia Zuniga (Jose), and Mary Maceda (John) from Corpus Christi; Carmen Borrego (Pasqual) of Kyle, Texas; 46 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and one sister, Pauline Castilleja of Seguin.

Pallbearer honors will go to her six sons.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, October 28, 2016
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Saturday, October 29, 2016
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606