Mary Joan Rodriguez

Mary Joan Rodriguez, 82, of La Junta, Colorado, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026, at her La Junta home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born November 19, 1943, in New Dale, Colorado to George & Nora (Rivera) Madrid.

Mary lived in La Junta her entire life and attended La Junta schools. She married Richard C. Rodriguez in La Junta on November 1, 1968. Together they had 4 daughters and 4 step-children. She and George were married for 40 years when George was called to his heavenly home on September 7, 2008. Mary’s most blessed days were her wedding and the birth of each of her children. She loved everything she did with her family and the things she did for her family. She loved cooking, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and camping.

In her life Mary worked as a carhop, vegetable packer, seamstress. Her favorite job was when she worked at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center nursing and caring for newborns & their mothers.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Debby Flakes, Dandrea Brown, Lisa Rodriguez, all of of La Junta, CO and Christina (Anthony) Apodaca of Rocky Ford, CO; stepchildren, Johnny Rodriguez of California, & Brenda Rodriguz of California; numerous grandchildren & great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jane Ramirez of New Mexico; Betty Aragon of La Junta, & Susie Montoya of La Junta. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Rodriguez; parents, George & Nora Madrid; stepchildren, Ricky Rodriguez & Jack Rodriguez; siblings, Linda Whatley, Ida Valdez, Tillie Madrid, George Madrid, & Gloria Florez.

Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta with Pastor Scott Johnson of Calvary Church of La Junta officiating. Inurnment will follow at Ft. Lyon National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. at Ft. Lyon, Colorado.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Perez & Peacock Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.