Juanita B. Hernandez

Juanita Brito Hernandez lovingly known as “Ama”, age 89, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, surrounded by the kind of quiet grace that reflected the way she lived her life. While her absence leaves a deep ache, there’s comfort in knowing that her journey ended gently. She was born on June 24, 1936, in Hatch, New Mexico to Maria Luisa and Carlos Palacios. She was a devoted and loving mother who faithfully shared the Word of God with all who crossed her path.

Juanita will be fondly remembered for her deep love and devotion to her family, her steadfast faith, and her strong work ethic as a longtime grain truck driver. She had a special love for animals and enjoyed feeding the birds and ants because as she said, “they have families, too”. In her later years, she treasured time spent playing uno, bingo, and go fish, otherwise known to her as “go fishing boy,” with her great grandsons. Her generous spirit and kind heart touched countless lives and will never be forgotten. If heaven reflects the love we leave behind, then she must be walking into one of the grandest mansions, built from every moment of warmth and generosity she gave to others.

She is survived by daughters Mary Diana Speedon, Marilyn Marroquin (Joe), Grace Alvarado, and sons Tom Steve Speedon and Gilbert Hernandez, Jr. (Sandra). She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, sons Douglas Speedon, Louis Carlos Speedon, Jesse Fred Speedon, and Joseph Ismael Brito, two sisters, one brother, and her deepest love Gilbert Hernandez.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, April 3, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. at Ganado Funeral Home Chapel with a celebration of life service to follow at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Ganado City Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Larry Helms of Faith Family Church.

Serving as Pallbearers will be grandsons Jesse Hernandez Jr, Danny Hernandez, Charlie Hernandez, Louis Speedon Jr, Jesse Speedon Jr, Tom Speedon Jr, Keith Hernandez, Kevin Hernandez, Chris Hernandez, Jordan Brito, and Tyrin Brito. Honorary Pallbearers incude great-grandsons Noah Cortes and Bentley Cortes.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Ganado Nursing and Rehab and Crown Hospice of Victoria for their compassionate care.

Services are entrusted to the Todish family of Ganado & Slavik Funeral Homes.