Rosita Gutierrez Ward Simon

Rosita Gutierrez Ward Simon, 72, of Lake Charles, LA died at 10:55 AM on Sunday April 16, 2017 in a local hospital.

Rosita was born July 11, 1944 in Santa Cruz, Zambales (Olongapo City), Philippine Islands, moved to Lake Charles in 1967 and was one of the first naturalized citizens in Lake Charles, LA in 1974.  She worked for St. Patrick's Hospital for thirteen years and at Humana / Women and Children’s Hospital as a Unit Secretary for over twenty years before retiring five years ago.  She previously attended St. Margaret Catholic Church, Our Lady Queen of Heaven and was a current member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir.  Rosita loved to play Bingo, Mahjong, music, playing guitar, crocheting, quilting, sewing and cooking.   She also enjoyed fishing, making Christmas ornaments, dancing, shopping, but her passion was for her family.  She will always be remembered for her unconditional love to her family and grandchildren and for the smile that she always had on her face.  Her hands have blessed many over her lifetime.

Rosita is survived by her husband of twelve years, Donald Ray Simon, Sr. of Lake Charles; daughter, Shawna Alene Ward Leger of Lake Charles; son, Travis “Clint” Ward and wife Andrea of Lake Charles; step-children, Don Simon, Jr., Mona Timpa, and Neil Simon; sister, Carmen Hensley of South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Julian Thomas Leger, AnaLisa Kaylene Leger, Tabitha Celeste Leger, Sylvia Shade Leger, Adrienne Marie Ward, Elizabeth Anne Ward, Joseph Dale Ward; and great-grandchild, Lucas McKinley Skirata.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Pilar Gutierrez; infant daughter, Annalisa Kay Ward; and her first husband, Marvin Dale Ward.

Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 21, 2017 at Christ the King Catholic Church.  The Very Reverend Anthony Fontenot will officiate.  Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Thursday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Philippino Rosary at 4:00 PM and a Cursillo Rosary at 5:30 PM.  Visitation will continue on Friday at the funeral home from 8:00 AM to 9:40 AM.