Juanita "Janie" Rivera, 77, of Ralls, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 9, 2026, and went to be with her Lord and Savior.Janie was born on July 20, 1948, in North Judson, Indiana, to Jose and Guadalupe (Arrambides) Calderon. She married the love of her life, Gilbert Rivera, on November 14, 1970, in Ralls, Texas. Together, they lived the sacrament of marriage, sharing 55 wonderful years together.  Their enduring love story was one to remember - a beautiful testament to devotion, faithfulness, and the joy they found in building a life centered on faith, family, and community. Their marriage served as an inspiration to all who knew them

Janie faithfully managed the Dollar General Store in Ralls for more than 20 years. She was a devoted member of St. Michael Catholic Church, where she proudly served as a Guadalupana.  She also served on the Ralls Senior Citizens Board, the Ralls Chamber of Commerce Board and volunteered her time delivering meals through the Fish's and Loaves program in Lorenzo and later the Meals on Wheels program in Ralls.Janie never met a stranger, she was a people person.  She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved, especially during the many family gatherings she enjoyed hosting. Known affectionately as "Nana" to her grandchildren and many others, she was the heart of her family—a nurturing, caring presence who lovingly earned the nickname "Mother Goose." Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the entire Ralls community.

Janie was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Guadalupe Calderon.

Those left to cherish her memory's include her beloved husband, Gilbert Rivera; her two daughters, Lisa Rivera and Leslie Villanueva; her three brothers, Jesse Calderon, Robert Calderon, and Eddie Calderon; her five sisters, Josie Velasquez, Minnie Rivera, Sally Calderon, Gloria Mendolla, and Elsie Rivera-Colon; her grandchildren, Audrey Celeste Villanueva and husband Matthew, Ethan Zane Villanueva, and Aubrielle Williams; and her great-granddaughter, Camilla Dove Martinez.

Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we take comfort in knowing that her love, advice, strength, laughter, wisdom and countless memories will remain with us forever. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work,  family devotion, and love that will continue to guide all who were blessed to know her.  She will be missed and forever loved.