Community mourns loss of faith leader

Staff Reports

The Jewish Community in Marion County are in mourning this week after the loss of the Rabbi Linda Gutierrez last Sunday.

The Rabbi had been suffering from a long illness.

She was an integral part in returning a synagogue to Marion County several years ago as she worked with the Jesse Allen Wise Garden Club to rededicate the original Hebrew Sinai Synagogue in what is known as the Ruth Lester Playhouse. That rededication concluded with the opening of the ark for the first time in 100 years and the placement of the Torah. The structure was later closed for restoration and the congregation was forced to relocate.

Her ministry began over 50 years ago as she and her husband Pastor Bob Gutierrez traveled the world. Over the decades they ministered in 48 of the 50 US States and numerous countries around the world. Her work was featured on The TBN Network and Daystar Television.

Ordained in 2009 with Beth Israel Jewish Ministries International and made a Rabbi in 2016 by Rabbi Daniel Vargas, she became the first female Messianic Rabbi through Beth Israel JMI.

She is survived by her husband Bob; daughter Lynnette Bonner; son Robert BJ Gutierrez; four sisters; two brothers; a number of grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and more friends than can be counted.

Services have not been finalized as of press time. Please see her full obituary on page elsewhere on this site.