Juanita Flores

Juanita “Jenny” Flores, 72, of Merced, California, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Tulare, California, Juanita lived a life defined by perseverance, humor, and deep love. Jenny discontinued high school early to focus on work to provide for her parents and family. However, she was determined to go back and earned her GED in 1979, followed by an Associate’s degree from Merced College in 1986, and later received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from California State University, Stanislaus in 1994. She received a teaching credential from Stanislaus State and began her teaching career in 1994. As the first in her family to graduate from college, Juanita became a positive role model for her siblings and children, inspiring them to pursue a higher education.

Juanita’s love of learning led her to a fulfilling career in early childhood education. She began teaching with Head Start and later became a beloved kindergarten teacher at Yamato Colony, where she inspired young minds with compassion and dedication until her retirement in 2014.

In 1974, Juanita married Rosario “Rigo” Flores. Together, they shared 50 years of life and raised three children—Rodrigo, Christina, and Jason—who were her world.

Affectionately known as “Jenny” by her family and close friends, Juanita was spirited, witty, and caring toward those around her. Her humor would light up a room, and her kindness touched those who were around her. Throughout her life she found joy in vacationing, road trips, occasional gambling trips, and going to Sizzler or Red Lobster, her favorite go to restaurants. She also found fulfillment in gardening, cooking, dancing to cumbia, and most of all, spending time with her loved ones. This included children, grandchildren, siblings, her mother and extended family and friends. Juanita enamored her role as a grandmother, finding joy and happiness being with her four grandchildren.

Juanita is survived by her three children: Rodrigo Flores and his wife, Esperanza; Christina Flores Smith and her husband, Ryan; and Jason Flores. She also leaves behind her four beloved grandchildren: Rodrigo Flores, Esteban Flores, David Smith, and Morgan Smith. She is survived by her siblings: Candido Martinez, Delia Mendoza, Albert Martinez, and Armando Martinez; as well as her former husband, Rosario “Rigo” Flores; seven nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marina Martinez, who passed away in 2024, and her father Candido Martinez, who deceased in 1976.

Juanita “Jenny” Flores will be remembered for her unrelenting determination, sense of humor, and the warmth of her spirit. She was a warrior who overcame personal challenges early and late in life. Her strong ambition helped her fulfil her personal goals and will leave a legacy of perseverance, determination, and love.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.” — Anonymous

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