Yolanda G. Mier

In Celebration and Loving Memory

Of Yolanda G. Mier

Cherishing a Life Well Lived

It is with great sadness and heartfelt remembrance that we gather, in words and in spirit, to commemorate the life of a remarkable woman whose presence graced the world, whose influence was quietly profound, and whose absence is now deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.

Yolanda Gutierrez was born on October 8, 1939, in El Paso, TX, to Luz Garcia and Hector Gutierrez. From early on, curiosity and compassion were the guiding stars of her journey. Childhood days were spent roller skating and playing outdoors with the neighborhood kids.

She told us stories of her days at Franklin Elementary in the Durango Street Neighborhood where her family lived. Tales of playing hopscotch and jacks in the playground, flying the school flag and singing the school song. There’s a recent video of her sitting at her kitchen table singing her elementary school song!

She proudly walked across a graduation stage at Bowie High School where she had been a majorette, marching with the band and twirling her baton. At Bowie she met the love of her life, Juan Angel Mier, Jr., the super athlete who excelled in golf, basketball and football. She told stories of having dated a few boys in high school but she knew Juan was the one, when she told him “I don’t kiss on the first date”, and he promptly asked for a second outing!

Devotion to Family, Friendship, and Community

Yolanda was a devout Catholic who deeply and consistently practiced her faith, integrating it into her daily life. Family was the cornerstone of Yolanda’s existence. She loved gathering her loved ones around her kitchen table for meals she had planned days ahead. She was a talented chef who created food that fed your soul. An invitation to “Yolanda’s Kitchen” was a culinary experience. She began cooking as a child and perfecting her craft through adventure and exploration. Never settling for her standard dishes, she was always trying new recipes to expand her repertoire!

Friendship mattered to Yolanda, who generously gave her attention freely. She made her daunting dialysis visits easier by befriending the staff and bringing food and snacks for their meals and breaks. Her home with her beloved husband, Juan, was a haven—doors always open, arms always ready to embrace those in need of a meal, comfort or encouragement.

A Life Marked by Kindness, Hard work, and Compassion

Yolanda had a steady presence about her… offering wisdom, warmth and unconditional love to those she cared about. In both joyous celebrations and moments of hardship, she was steady, a rock.

Throughout her life, she sought not just to excel, but to make a difference. It was not uncommon to find her up late or rising early to begin her cooking and/or cleaning. In addition to caring for her family, she had various work ventures. From helping soldiers pack and ship their personal belongings overseas, to being a short order cook at a medical building across from the old Hotel Dieu Hospital on Arizona Street, to being a sales representative for Sherwin-Williams Paint. She was smart, hardworking and dedicated to her work.

Passions and Pursuits that Enriched Each Day

Yolanda had a rich tapestry of interests. She was an avid sports fan. A dedicated Dallas Cowboy fan, she rejoiced the winning years and endured the not so successful ones. Everyone knew not to call or drop by the house when the ‘Boys were playing. Her doctor once warned her to moderate her reaction to the stress of game day tv watching because of her health. She loved to watch Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal play tennis, setting alarms and waking up at 3 or 4 a.m. to watch live broadcasts from Europe or Australia. Recently, she followed Coco Gauff, too!

Yolanda was intrigued by politics and the law. She saw the greed and injustices of the world and would discuss ideas and news with others, offering her opinions and solutions to the problems. She was intelligent, opinionated and a hearty debater on any worthwhile topic.

Travel was another source of inspiration—she was awed by the Grand Canyon, intrigued by the fast pace of Philadelphia and New York. She loved the lobster bake in Maine, and the artisans, food and people of Oaxaca Mexico. She loved the chance to experience new cultures, tastes, and perspectives, and to return home with stories and lessons to share. Each journey, whether near or far, was approached with openness and gratitude, a testament to her belief in the beauty of the world and the kindness of people.

Lessons and Legacy

Perhaps the greatest legacy left behind is not one of material wealth or grand accolades, but of moments—quiet, everyday gestures that echo with meaning. Through small acts of kindness, steadfast support, and an unwavering sense of hope, our dearly beloved Yolanda taught us all what it means to live with purpose and with heart.

Her life reminds us to pause and cherish the fleeting sunlight, to reach out when others are in need, to greet each day with courage and compassion. Her stories, comedy and her laughter linger in the air, her wisdom in our thoughts, her love in our hearts. Though her journey on earth has ended, the seeds Yolanda sowed—of friendship, of community, of love, of hope—continue to grow and blossom in the lives of those she touched.

Farewell and Gratitude

As we bid farewell, we do so not only with tranquil sorrow, but with profound gratitude. For every memory, every lesson, every moment shared—we give thanks. In the quiet spaces of our hearts, Yolanda’s spirit endures, a gentle light illuminating our way forward. To honor her memory, let us strive to live as she did: with kindness, with amazing courage, and with boundless love. May her story inspire us in our own journeys, and may we find comfort in knowing that, though she is physically gone, her legacy is everlasting. Rest in peace, dearest Yolanda. You will be missed beyond measure and loved beyond words.

Yolanda was predeceased by her beloved children: Jacqueline Mier, Marie Elizabeth Mier, and John Gutierrez-Mier.

Yolanda’s survivors:

Beloved Husband of 67 years, Juan A. Mier, Jr.

Sisters: Tillie G. Rivera, Alicia G. Martinez (Don), Virginia L. Gutierrez, Esq. (Sherrie Cohen)

Daughter, Margaret E. Horsch (Wade); Son, Rudy Mier (Rebecca).

Grandchildren: Daniel Horsch (Cori), Emily Martinez (Frank), Katelyn Mier, Kila Frost (Joe), Jada Mier, Riley Mier, Analee Mier, James Mier, Jacob Mier, Thomas Cheesman, Mark Hendrickson, and Josh Metz.

Greatgrandchildren: Olivia Horsch, Ellie Horsch, Malakhai John Martinez.

Nieces and Nephews: Albert Rivera (Victoria & Miles), Cindy Aguirre (David, Eric, Katie, Steven), Ron Rivera (Lou, Rhett, Andi, Franki), Carlos Morales (Pat, Camille), Loretta Corgan (David, Janay)

More Yolanda survivors: Reyes Family, Collins Family, Mier Family, Gutierrez Family, Martinez Family.