Frank A. "Chipper" Age - 56 - Santa Gutierrez

Frank A. “Chipper” Gutierrez, 56, a resident of Santa Clara Pueblo passed away from a short illness on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Gutierrez; uncle, Denny Gutierrez; aunt, Madge Gutierrez; nephew, Jeremy Naranjo. During the last 31 years Frank’s passion of operating the Sonic Drive Ins in Española was his dedication and connection to the community. He had a very giving heart to his family, community and Sonic family, whom he raised as his own. Mr. Gutierrez was active within the Santa Clara Pueblo Tribal Government as a tribal official and council member. He loved the outdoors, spending time fishing and visiting the Santa Clara Canyon. He was an avid football watcher who loved his team, The Dallas Cowboys. He will always be remembered as a simple kind hearted man who would always see the positive within anyone he met. Frank will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Mr. Gutierrez is survived by his wife of 32 years, Jeannie Gutierrez of Santa Clara Pueblo; children: Mitch Gutierrez and wife Chantel of Gilbert, AZ, Everly Gutierrez of Santa Clara Pueblo, Frankie Gutierrez of Santa Clara Pueblo, Antoinette Gutierrez and companion Cody Martinez of Santa Clara Pueblo; raised as his son, Josiah Gutierrez of Santa Clara Pueblo; grandson, Cody Martinez, Jr. of Santa Clara Pueblo; brothers/sisters: Kathy Naranjo and husband Earnest, Geraldine Gutierrez and companion John Hoye, Carol Naranjo and husband James, George Gutierrez and companion Dorea Garcia; Ann Gutierrez and companion Rob Nichols, Rose Suazo and husband Charles; in-laws, Leo and Carolina Garcia of Ojo Caliente; brother-in-law, Theodore Garcia and wife June of Ojo Caliente; sister-in-law, Irene Lucero and husband Toby of Ojo Caliente; numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and other loving relatives & friends. Public visitation will be held on Friday, March 29, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at the Family Home with a wake to follow at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at the Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery. Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at Santa Clara Pueblo Catholic Church. Serving the family as pallbearers will be: Mitch, Frankie, Jerome, Josiah and Jesse Gutierrez, James Naranjo and Ted Garcia. The family of Frank A. “Chipper” Gutierrez have entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.

---