Melida (Mellie) Juarez, 96; of Hercules, California, formerly of El Dorado, Arkansas; died February 19, 2021, in Hercules, surrounded by her loving children. Mellie was born October 21, 1924 in San Antonio la Paz El Progresso, Guatemala to Placido Archila and Marquina Catalan de Archila. Her parents; two brothers, Oscar Archila and Alfredo Archila; and son-in-law Richard Devaux predeceased her.
Mellie is survived by two daughters and two sons: Sonia Devaux of Guatemala; Rene Juarez (Rosa Maria) of Hercules, California; Jorge Mario Juarez of Hercules, California; and Rina Thomas (Floyd) of El Dorado, Arkansas. She leaves eleven grandchildren: Karen Devaux de Paiz (Yves) of Mexico; Jean Rene Devaux of Guatemala; Paul Andre Devaux of Guatemala; Alex Juarez of Sulphur, Louisiana; Gaby Juarez of El Dorado, Arkansas; Jorge A. Juarez (Veronica) of American Canyon, California; David A. Juarez (Francisco) of San Francisco, California; Gregory M. Thomas (Abbey) of El Dorado, Arkansas; Stephanie N. Thomas of Columbus, Ohio; Jessica R. Thomas of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Matt Thomas (Holly) of El Dorado, Arkansas. Mellie also leaves seven greatgrandchildren: Alexia Juarez, Mario Juarez, Zoe Paiz, Leah Joy Thomas, Taylor Thomas, Emma Grace Thomas and Lily Thomas.
Mellie received her education in Guatemala and received her accounting degree in 1946. It was while working as an accountant for the Guatemalan Government that she met her husband, Rene Juarez, also working as an accountant. Rene and Mellie made their home in Guatemala until Rene’s untimely death left Mellie a young widow. Mellie immigrated to San Francisco where she spent her working life. She retired to El Dorado but was always full of energy and very active. She traveled extensively throughout the United States, Central America and Europe. In El Dorado, she was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church and Healthworks. She was very proud that she volunteered the most hours in the completion of the tapestries that hang in the Church Chapel. She loved and was loved by her large family, the people in the Church and her friends at Healthworks.
The family is thankful for the continuous home care provided by G.mag Healthcare especially Dr. Mana Pirnia and Busayo Ekunboyejo, who attended at her death.
Cremation services were entrusted to Diablo Valley Funeral Services in Concord, California. She will be interred in the Juarez family monument in Guatemala. A date and time for a memorial service at the First United Methodist Church in El Dorado will be announced. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of El Dorado or charity of the donor’s choice.