Danette Marie Lopez, 65, of Ventura, California, passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Danette was born in Ventura on August 30, 1960, to Joseph Gutierrez and Rebecca Sanchez.
Danette attended Nordhoff High School, graduating in 1978. She later attended Oxnard Beauty College and Ventura College, where she pursued cosmetology. While attending school, she worked at Broadway, where she met Mario, her soulmate, in December 1980. Danette and Mario were married on August 28, 1982, and together raised their two children, Michael and Michelle, in Ojai, California.
Danette was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother. She dedicated her life to caring for her family while also serving her community as an aide for the Ojai Unified School District, where she provided guidance and support to local youth. Danette loved to dance, and her contagious laugh could brighten any room. She was deeply devoted to her faith in the Lord, cherished her marriage and family, and found great joy in her grandchildren. She was also an avid Dodgers fan and was always checking in on others with love and concern.
Danette is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Mario Lopez; her children, Michael (Priscilla) Lopez and Michelle (Daniel) Molina; and her cherished grandchildren, Ryden, James, Audrianna, Treysen, Levi, and Kane. She is also survived by her sister, Rosemary Lowry; brother-in-law Randy Lowry; brothers-in-law Gonzalo (Oliva) Lopez, Hector (Rosa) Lopez, and Leon (Silvia) Lopez; sisters-in-law Letty Vaivao (JJ), Tonia (Jose) Arias, and Maria (Rick) Thayer; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Gutierrez; mother, Rebecca Sanchez; her in-laws, Leon and Socorro Lopez; her sister, Loraine Castro; and brothers-in-law Henry Castro and Juan Antonio “Chepe” Lopez.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Ataxia Foundation.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Community Memorial Hospital, Livingston Home Health, Priscilla Lopez, Hector Lopez, Gonzalo Lopez, and Oliva Carrera-Lopez for the compassionate care and unwavering support they provided to Danette each and every day.
Family and friends are invited to Funeral Services to be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., 3501 Loma Vista Rd. Ventura, CA 93003 followed by a celebration luncheon. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.