Juanita Santillan's Obituary
Juanita Santillán, a beautiful soul and loved by all who met her, passed away on January 28, 2025. Born on January 18, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, Juanita, age 95, lived a life full of love, adventure, and compassion. Juanita was known for her active lifestyle and her love for adventures with her children. A true entrepreneur, she was wonderful, compassionate, caring, and intelligent. She had a passion for cooking and known for her incredible enchiladas for those special occasions, she was a Master Gardener from Texas A&M extension, a lifelong active member of Emanu-El UMC – then Casa Emanu-El UMC, involved with the United Methodist Women and leader, member of Wesley Rankin Community Center Council, she was long time member of the Crozier Tech Ladies, she was an expert seamstress – creating wedding gowns and all kinds of attire, she was a licensed cosmetologist all her life – doing hair for family and friends, Juanita was an Avon Representative – Presidents Club manager and bilingual trainer of young sales persons, she and husband, Ray were active ballroom dancers and went dancing with friends, especially with Rachel and Pete Briseño. Juanita was the caregiver to her parents and many family members and friends, a silent benefactor to those in need, and lastly, the Official Margarita Taste Tester. She brought beauty and joy to all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francisca López and Ramón Rodríguez, and her beloved husband, Raymond Santillán Jr. and brothers Henry, Joe, Mike, Manuel, Ramón (Sonny), Ernest Rodríguez. Juanita is survived by her children: Paul Edward Santillán, Deborah Ann Santillán and grandson Paolo Gabriel (Keyonna), and great grandsons Ramón, Joaquín, and Giovanni; Ray Santillán III (Claudia), and their children, Sara, and Debbie(Daniel) great granddaughter Serenity, stepson Alan; Michael Santillán (Sofia) and his daughter Dr. Julianna Santillán, step kids Savannah, Dafne, Nicole & Renata; and George David Santillán (Karen) and his children Dr. Olivia Rae Santillán-Jones (Lee), Vanessa Rene Santillán-Sledge (Daniel), Alyssa, and Andrew. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Ann Rittenberry. Juanita's legacy of love, kindness, elegance and humble spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Visitation: Wednesday, February 5th 4-8pm; Funeral Service: Thursday, February 6th at 2:00pm at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75243. Rev. Dr. Paul Barton, officiating. Reception following at Event Center at Restland across the street.
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