10/16/1939 – 3/1/2022
Celebration of Life for Juanita “Jenny” Reyes-Hepner will be held Tuesday March 15th from 4-7pm at El Matador Café. Jenny passed away Tuesday March 1, 2022 at Medicalodges in Eudora.
She was born October 16, 1939 in El Dorado, KS to Tiburcio L and Betty (Garcia) Reyes.
Jenny operated La Familia Café in Lawrence which she opened in 1987. She retired in 2003.
She enjoyed cooking, spending time with her family, crochet, and anything Elvis related. She touched everyone around her with her infectious humor and generous spirit.
She married Jose “Joe” Rodriquez, Sr. in 1956. They later divorced. She married Dean Hepner, who survives of the home.
Other survivors include her sons, Joe Rodriquez Jr., Miguel F. Rodriquez, Victor A. Rodriquez, Richard T. Rodriquez, Phillip J. Rodriquez, Allen T. Rodriquez and Samuel Rodriquez ; daughters-in-law Keri Rodriquez and Anna Rodriquez; stepchildren Russ(Sunny) Hepner and Tina Lesher; grandchildren, Kendra Rodriquez, Michaela Rodriquez, Raquel Rodriquez-McTizic(CJ), Jose L.J. Rodriquez, Kayla Hutchens(Spencer), Gray Rodriquez, Brooklyn Rodriquez, Damon Lesher, JD(Carrie) Lesher, Jimi-Lee(Ali) Lesher, Skye Hepner, Wyatt Hepner, and Gunner Hepner; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Leland, Emma, Avery, Everett, Felicia, Damien, Xavier, Alexis, Julian, Savannah, and Madison; sister, Lydia Garcia(Andy) and brother Arlindo Reyes as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Tiburcio “Joe” Reyes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made on behalf of the family for a headstone. Checks may be made out to Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
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