Juanita Torres

Juanita Torres, 75, died Dec. 11, 2007 at Providence Extended Care Center in Anchorage.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. today, Dec. 14, at Our Lady Chapel at Providence Extended Care Center, 4900 Eagle Street, in Anchorage. Bob Sloan, teaching pastor of Faith Christian Community Church, will officiate. Torres' ashes will be interred in the Arvin Cemetery in Arvin, Calif.

Torres was born June 15, 1932, in El Paso, Texas. She lived in Lamont, Calif., from her youth until she moved to Alaska to be with her daughter in 1994.

The family wrote that Juanita drew the most joy from her children and grandchildren. Staying true to her roots, Juanita enjoyed classic Mexican music and never grew tired of a good plate of papas, frijoles and handmade tortillas.

“Grandma Jane,” as the family knew her, demonstrated tremendous strength and faith in Christ as she looked forward to eternity with her Lord. "I am not afraid," she reassured loved ones just days ago.

Survivors are her brother, Pete Luna of California; daughter and son-in-law, Maria and Robert Bell of Anchorage; sons, Tony Martinez of Cash, Okla., and Ramon Garcia of Bakersfield, Calif.; grandchildren, Monty and Bobby Bell of Anchorage, Tia Leon of Anchorage; Mya Bergen of Delta, BC, Canada, Freddie, Anthony and Mary Martinez of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Daniel Garcia of Bakersfield, Calif.; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Wasilla.