Juanita Ramirez Nava's Obituary
Juanita Ramirez Nava, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, at her home in Hayward, California, at the age of 84. Born on February 13, 1942, in Oakland, California, Juanita spent her formative years in Russell City before making Hayward her lifelong home.
A proud alumna of Hayward High School, Class of 1959, Juanita was a trailblazer in her own right. Along with her husband, she owned and operated a successful lath and plaster business, demonstrating an unwavering work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to her construction work, they also owned a sporting goods store, a venture that reflected her deep love for athletics and her commitment to supporting her community. Her dedication to her businesses and her family exemplified the strength and determination that defined her character.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Juanita poured her heart into the world of softball, a passion that became a defining part of her life. She coached for many years, leading her all star girls’ team all the way to the state championship tournament, where they earned an impressive second place finish. She later assisted her husband with sponsoring and managing a men’s fast pitch softball team that rose from the industrial league to the major league level, competing across the country and into Canada. From coast to coast, Juanita became affectionately known as the “pin girl,” a nickname earned because everyone wanted the coveted team pins she traded with such pride. Under their leadership, the men’s team even competed at the Olympic Sports Festival in Oklahoma City—an achievement she carried with great joy.
For 66 remarkable years, Juanita shared a loving marriage with her devoted husband, Samuel Nava Sr. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories. A matriarch in the truest sense, Juanita’s greatest joy came from nurturing her family and being actively involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her home was a central hub for gatherings, where laughter was abundant and love overflowed. Her legacy continues to shine through her surviving family: her husband, Samuel Nava Sr.; her children, Cynthia Nava, Samuel Nava Jr., and Tyler Nava; her grandchildren, Monique Berlanga, Nicolette Nava, and Chanelle Nava; and her great grandchildren, Clay Farris, Audi Mongalo Nava, Luke Cooperman, Andre Cooperman, and Savannah Schofield. Juanita is also survived by her brother, Roque Ramirez, two sisters, Irene Moniz and Lillian Cross, and many extended family members who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Samuel Nava III, her parents, Eligio and Beatrice Ramirez, and two brothers and three sisters.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation and Rosary service on March 12, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward. A funeral service will be held on March 13, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., also at Chapel of the Chimes, followed by a burial at Lonetree Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. A reception celebrating her life will follow at the San Felipe Community Center.
Juanita’s profound impact on all who knew her will be forever cherished, and her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering commitment to her family and community. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in eternal peace.
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