Maria Nieves Gutierrez, 85, passed away December 28, 2024, at her home in Melba, Idaho. Maria was born on September 24, 1939, in Tariacuri, Michoacan, Mexico, to Donicio Cerda and Leonore Reyes. She was the second child of nine siblings. Maria helped her parents with her younger siblings and enjoyed taking walks around the pueblo of her hometown. As a child, she loved spending time with her grandma Cecillia, who would wrap her up in her shawl and tell her stories that she would later pass on to her own kids.

Maria met the love of her life, Rosalio "Rosie" Gutierrez. Rosie had seen her in a picture, and he knew that he was going to marry her. Maria took one look at his bright green eyes and knew he was the one too. On August 3, 1960, the two eloped, taking on a new adventure in the United States, choosing Idaho as their forever home. In their first year of marriage, on July 24, 1961, they welcomed their first son, Ricardo "Rick," into the world. They always knew they wanted more kids, and on September 26, 1962, they had a second son, Nicholas "Nicky." To complete their family on May 3, 1965, they brought home their daughter Teresa. In 1968, the family settled in the little town of Melba, Idaho, living at the corner of Melmont Rd and Hwy 45. Rosie would take care of the farm, and Maria would take care of the kids. Maria loved cooking, but her measurements were not with cups and tablespoons. Instead it was a pinch of this or a handful of that, with a little sprinkle of this. She wanted to share her recipes with everyone, especially how she made tortillas, but none of us can get them to taste exactly like she made it. Maria had the magic touch. On sunny days, after all the chores and cooking were done, Maria would take the kids down to the canal to splash around in the water. Maria loved how happy her family was on their little farm.

In 1971, Maria and Rosie were introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was sealed for all eternity on January 21, 1980, in the Provo, Utah Temple. Maria's love for the church was very strong and she was always sharing her testimony. Her strong testimony led to her and Rosie serving a mission back in Mexico in the early 90's. Maria would always say how grateful she was that God sent her back to her home country, where it was her primary language and she and Rosie could bring others closer to the Lord and to share the gospel.

Maria's favorite verse Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Maria's faith in the Lord and Jesus Christ was something that she held to strongly and until the very end.

Maria worked for the Nampa School District as the lunch lady, serving food at numerous schools within the district. She would always share stories of giving the children extra scoops of food or sneaking them an extra cookie on their tray. She loved all the students that came through the line. Anytime she would run into them outside of school, students would mention to her that they remembered that extra treat she would give and how it made a difference to them. Maria retired from the school district in May of 2006 so that she could spend time with Rosie and her family.

Maria loved her family and the life she made. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her biggest blessing. She was the biggest supporter, going to games and activities, making sure to root loud, even if she did not know all the rules. You could always hear her saying, "Come on, you guys!" She was always willing to meet the kids halfway in the field to give food or a special treat. And if it was too dark, Maria would be out there with a flashlight to walk them the rest of the way to her house or back to their own. Rain or shine, Grandma Maria was always there.

Maria was strong and determined. There was one time the grandkids were helping move the irrigation pipe in the field. Two kids had one pipe holding each end while Maria was carrying one on her own shoulder, walking down the field to where it needed to be laid. Even recently, Maria still continued to do her "chores" around the home, feeding the chickens, collecting eggs, and watering the animals. She was always finding something to do.

Maria was famous for her homemade tortillas with warm melted butter, her handmade crochet blankets, pillows, and hand towels. Maria shared her talents with many of you, and it gave her so much joy to feed others and gift her handmade items to the people she loved. She loved to draw and paint. There was not a yard sale Maria wouldn't stop at to try and make a deal. She was hard-working and always made sure you were taken care of first before herself. Maria truly was a prime example of what being selfless means.

As a family we will miss her smile, her pinches on our faces, the random flower drawings she would draw on napkins or any piece of paper she found. We will miss her singing, her dancing to any music style, and her little voice saying, "I love you." Our mom and grandmother Maria was one of a kind. We know she was greeted with a big kiss from Grandpa Rosie and a big hug from Nicky as she entered heaven. We all believe that one day we'll meet again.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband Rosie, her son Nicky, parents Donicio and Leonore, and sister Susan, brothers Manuel, Jose, and Ruben.

Maria is survived by her son Rick Gutierrez, daughter Teresa Valero, grandson Ryan (Nichole) Gutierrez, grand-daughters: Cotrese Gafford, Shayna Gutierrez, Cecillia (Adam) Price, Cara (Troy) Dines, Victoria Valero, Jasmine Valero, and four children of her late son Nicky.

Great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Baylee, Amya, Royce, Hollis "Trey," Brooklyn, Landyn, Rosalia "Rosie," Brinley, Leona, and Zariyah. Great-great-grandchildren: Kentrel and Lainey. Siblings: Rogelio, Esther, Rosa, Sylvia, and Angie. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.