Melissa Ann Gutierrez

Melissa "Missy" Dugas Gutierrez, age 46, was called home by her heavenly Father on March 23, 2017. A strong Catholic Christian, she is at peace. Melissa was born in Minot N.D. on December 29, 1970 and had friends in many states growing up in a military family. She graduated from Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic School, St Pius X High School and the UNM School of Dental Hygiene.

She touched many lives with her sweet smile, beautiful blue eyes, and loving heart. She loved sports, especially volleyball. During her high school years she excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track. She loved playing with the UNM Lobo league and coaching volleyball with her husband Joe. Together they founded the ABQ Volleyball Club for young girls, not only to teach them the skills of the sport, but also to teach them the skills of life. As a dental assistant and hygienist, she earned the admiration and friendship of many. The one she loved the most was her Lord. She exemplified her Christian faith by the way in which she lived her life.

Melissa is survived by her husband Joe; son Michael and wife Karen and granddaughter Penny Timm; daughter Kate Timm and fiancAC. Avery Landner; parents Jay and Jean Dugas; sister Janine and husband Rob Burford and nieces Sarah and Emily Burford; maternal grandmother Dot Klar; sister-in-law Gabriella Gutierrez and brother-in-law Johnny Gutierrez and children Jake, Jason and Andrea. She also has extended family in Arizona, Montana, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law Augusta "Gusty" Gutierrez, maternal grandfather Earl Klar, and paternal grandparents Louis and Mary Lee Dugas.

Visitation and rosary will be held at Salazar Mortuary located at 400 3rd St SW at 7:00pm on Tuesday March 28 with Mass of Christian Burial at Annunciation Church located at 2532 Vermont NE on Wednesday March 29th at 8:30 am followed by a private interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Melissa's name can be made to her favorite charity: CHI St. Joseph's Children at 1516 5th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.