Carol Ann Gutierrez was suddenly taken away on Jan. 25, 2008 at the young age of 44. She was born in Bakersfield on April 13, 1963. Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Evangelina Cortez; brother-in-law, Marty "Moose" Martinez; and brother-in-law Steven P. Nieto Jr. Carol attended Arvin High School and continued her education at Bakersfield College. She was employed with Alternative Care as a home healthcare nurse. Carol was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was considered the coordinator of all the family events and will be missed greatly by all of her relatives. Carol enjoyed traveling and living life to the fullest and was considered a proud fan of the Chicago Bears. Left to cherish Carol's memories is her beloved husband of 26 years, Ruben Gutierrez; daughter and son-in-law, Monica and Jaime "Skinny" Espinoza; son, Ruben Gutierrez Jr.; son, Alex Gutierrez; daughter, Justine Gutierrez; and her precious grandchildren, Marc and Alyssa Espinoza; brother, Joe Cortes Jr.; sister, Eva Cortez; brother, David Cortez; sister, Kathy Cortez-Nieto; sister, Maria Martinez; 12 nieces and nephews and 2 great-nieces. Carol also leaves behind her Godparents who always had a special place in her heart, Herman and Stella Mil; her loving aunt, Corina Sierra; along with many other relatives and friends. Our mother will forever be in our hearts, always in our minds and alive in our laughter. An evening service will be held at Hopson-Anspach Family Mortuary, Lamont on Thursday, January 31 at 7pm with Pastor Ken Armstrong of the Calvary Chapel officiating. Mass of the Christian Burial will be said Friday, February 1 at 10am at St. Augustine's Church in Lamont. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 31 from 2pm – 9pm at Hopson-Anspach, Lamont. Inurnment will be private.