Juanita Nilmeyer born September 5, 1942, passed away in her home surrounded by family in San Martin, California on November 26, 2023, at the Age of 81.

Juanita grew up in Sunnyvale, California. She always told wonderful stories of her childhood with brother Richard and lots of family. At her father's apricot ranch Juanita was 13 years old when she met the love of her life, Gary Nilmeyer. After high school they were married. In 1964 Juanita and Gary moved to San Martin to raise their family. Over the years Juanita enjoyed working in the yard. She always had beautiful flowers and a vegetable garden. Juanita especially loved her huge cactus garden. Many visitors would take pictures in front of them as they towered with beautiful blooms. One thing Juanita also enjoyed was working the chute and letting the cattle out for people to rope. Along with her family riding in the arena there were also many friends to share in the good times over the years. Juanita did have a favorite seat at the ranch. On the front porch by the magnolia tree. She enjoyed watching the cars drive by and honk as friends and family passed on their way to work. She knew nearly every car back in the day. The porch was where stories were told, and joy was found as we sat around and shared love.

Juanita also enjoyed time away from the ranch. She loved riding on the back of motorcycles or flying in planes. She took many trips to airshows, racetracks, rodeos, and ball games. She took several trips to Disneyland and loved all the fast rides with her grandchildren. Did I mention yard sale? Juanita loved a yard sale. Juanita always took her grandchildren around town, as they called her "Grandma Horsey". You could always spot Juanita wherever she would go. Her turquoise bracelets, polished trophy buckle, and smile always glowed everywhere she went.

Juanita survived by husband Gary Nilmeyer and their children, David Nilmeyer, Donald Nilmeyer, Debbie Price (John), and son-in-law Jeremy Bettencourt. Grandchildren, Gary Nilmeyer (Chasidy), Courtney Nilmeyer, Dakota Nilmeyer, Danielle Nilmeyer, James Price (Lindsay), Jared Price, and J.J Bettencourt. Great Grandchildren, Colby Nilmeyer, Roman Nilmeyer, Ezekiel Hernandez, Maggie Price, and Trevor Price.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents Angelo and Candida Ortiz, brother Richard Ortiz, daughter Donna Bettencourt, and Grandson Nick Nilmeyer.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, July 13, 2024  1:00 P.M. at 11755 Bennetta Lane, Gilroy, CA

We miss our dear Mother, but we rest assured that we will be together again one day.