Celebrating the Life and Faith of Steve “Estevan” Gutierrez

May 30, 1960 – June 8, 2026

With deep sadness but with hearts full of gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Steve Gutierrez, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, storyteller, and devoted servant of his community. A lifelong resident of Northern New Mexico, Steve passed away peacefully at the age of 66.

Steve was a man of quiet dignity—stoic on the outside, but possessing an incredibly soft, kind heart that he shared generously with everyone he met. Steve cared deeply for his mother, siblings, daughter, grandchildren, who was a great inspiration in his life.

A Life of Dedicated Service

Steve dedicated his professional life to preserving and serving the community he loved so dearly. For many years, he was a familiar and trusted face working for the City of Santa Fe. His deep love for local history and culture also led him to work at the historic Palace of the Governors, where his presence added to the rich tapestry of the Plaza. He took immense pride in his work, viewing it not just as a job, but as a way to honor his roots and care for his neighbors.

Steve was a brilliant local scholar. He poured his vast knowledge into researching and shaping exhibitions at the Palace of the Governors, he possessed a unique gift for making history come alive for visitors and locals alike. For Steve, history wasn’t found in just textbooks, it was a living breathing story meant to honored and shared.

A Master Storyteller and Devout Man of Faith

To know Steve was to know the power of a good story. With his gentle voice and sharp memory, he could bring the history, humor, and traditions of Northern New Mexico to life, captivating anyone lucky enough to sit and listen.

Above all, Steve was a man of profound Catholic faith. His devotion to God, the saints, and the Church was the anchor of his life. He walked through the world with a prayer on his lips, constantly praying for the well-being of his family, friends, and even strangers. He firmly believed in the power of community prayer, often humbly asking others, "Keep me in your prayers," just as he faithfully kept everyone in his.

His Greatest Legacy

While he gave much to his community, Steve’s greatest joy was his family. He was a deeply devoted father to his daughter, Estrella, and the proudest grandfather to his two grandchildren, Shane Lukas and Serenity. He instilled in them the values of kindness, humility, and faith, and his spirit will live on through them.

He is survived by his mother, Ina Gutierrez, daughter Estrella Maestas (and spouse Shane Maestas); his cherished grandchildren; Shane Lukas Maestas and Serenity Maestas; siblings Anthony “TJ” Gutierrez, Eugene Gutierrez, Angela Gutierrez (and life partner Gary Bobolsky), nephew Alexzander Bobolsky, nieces Carolina Bobolsky, Saravena Gutierrez and children, and a community of friends and colleagues who will miss his quiet wisdom and warm smile. He is reunited in paradise with his parent, Tony J. Gutierrez, and loved ones who went before him.

"May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your coming and lead you to eternal glory."

Services

The Holy Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held in his honor, bringing together the prayers he so deeply cherished.

• Rosary: [Date] at [Time] PM at DeVargas Funeral Home, 623 North Railroad Ave, Espanola, NM 87532 - Pending.
• Funeral Mass: [Date] at [Time] AM at [Name of Church]. – Pending.
• Burial: [Date] at Rio Chiquito Cemetery following the Mass. – Pending.
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In honor of Steve’s life, the family kindly asks that you offer a mass intention or a prayer for his eternal rest, as he so often did for others.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

The family of Steve Gutierrez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.  505-747-7477