Maria Estella Gutierrez

Maria Estella Gutierrez, age 88, of Toledo, OH, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 24, 2025.

She was born September 26, 1936, in Elsa, Texas, to Lazaro and Maria (Cazares) Salinas. Maria married the love of her life, Guadalupe Gutierrez, with whom she built a beautiful life and family.

Maria dedicated her career to home healthcare, compassionately caring for those who were homebound and in need of assistance. Known for her lively spirit, she loved to talk, share stories, and—true to her nature—could never quite keep a secret.

She was a wonderful cook, famous among her family for her homemade flour tortillas, which she crafted without recipes or measurements, only with love. Maria also enjoyed shopping, breakfasts at Cracker Barrel, dancing, and listening to Tejano music. She especially cherished the yearly family picnic and beach day in the Irish Hills, which brought generations of her loved ones together.

Her green thumb was evident in her love of plants and flowers, and she nurtured them with the same care she gave her family. She was the heart of her home—loving, strong, and often the mediator, always ensuring that peace and togetherness prevailed.

Maria will be deeply missed by her family, who will forever treasure the love, laughter, and memories she shared with them.

Maria is survived by her children, Rosemary, Jesse, and Estella; 15 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; sister, Maria Silva. She was preceded in death by her husband, Guadalupe Gutierrez; children, Robert, Mary and Lupe; and siblings, Alvino Salinas, Maria Pineda, and Angel Salinas.

Family and friends may visit Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 2-8 pm at Sujkowski-Walker Funeral Home, 830 Lime City Road, Rossford. The service for Maria will be Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10 am in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Roth Cemetery.