Mary Gonzales

On Sunday, July 24, 2016 Mary J. Ramirez Gonzales, 70, closed her eyes and woke up in Gods arms. Mary was a lifelong resident of Roswell, NM. She graduated from RHS in 1964. She went on to receive three licenses in Cosmetology, CNA and Social Work. Mary was married to Andres H. Gonzales in September 1968.

Mary worked as a home health aide during the day but at night and weekends she coordinated with other community workers to provided medical services to low income, Native and immigrant families by opening El Centro which evolved in to La Casa. At El Cento she helped families by providing cosmetology services and preparing taxes for low income families. Her bother Bobby and Sister Linda Ramirez work along said her. Mary also worked at Levis Strauss at a seamstress.

Mary was well known for her crafting hobbies. Mary's bead work could be found at the local fair, where her competitive spirit would come out as she went head to head with her bother for that blue ribbon. Mary also loved sewing quilts and making clothing for friends and family and ZTA fundraisers. Later in life Mary found companionship with Gilbert Salaz Jr. and raised chickens and pugs.

Mary is survived by her children, Luteria "Lulu" Gonzales, Andres "Andy" and his wife Victoria Gonzales, Petra "Pede" Gonzales and her fiancé Abran Alvarez. Mary has four grandchildren; David, Samuel, Micah and Delilah. Mary loved going on adventures with her children and grandchildren as she attended the Gathering of Nations, mission trips to Mexico, Native feasts in Mescalero, family trips to Arizona and California, fishing trips with her oldest grandson David, and Zozobra. Mary also helped raise her Godchildren Phil Jr, Suzie, and Micheal Gonzales.

Mary was born to Lorenza and Guadalupe "Jose" Ramirez on May 29, 1946. Mary loved all her siblings and shared special moments with each of them. Siblings who proceeded her in death include; David, Bobby, Joe, Virginia, and an infant brother. She is survived by Connie, Alice, Jerry and Linda. Mary's younger years were spent with her sister Linda, as they protested at rallies for Latino rights opening the Lulac club (Hispano Cambers). She also helped her bother Bobby as he ran for municipal judge and with his corn roasting stand. Mary also serviced the City of Roswell with her sisters Virginia and Alice at many different community events; including Toy drives and serving Thanksgiving dinner at the boys and girls club. Mary was a country girl at heart; loving animals and helping her bother Jerry on the family farm. Mary and her bother Jerry also shared their love of the Native Aztec culture and of course The Beatles. Mary and Jerry always let their little sister Linda tag-a-long with this passion. Mary enjoyed sharing her early morning coffee and sweet bread with her bother Joe as they talked about life and watched Grease as she cut or permed his hair. Mary enjoyed helping her sister Connie as she prepared her store for the annual alien festival. Mary is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary taught us how to be strong and steadfast, always striving to better herself. Her faith and love in the lord is inspiring as she loved and served the world around her. Her zest for life was contagious as she always had a smile and encouraging words to share with anyone who would listen. Mary's time on earth might be over but her love and memory will live on in the hearts of the people she inspired.

Mary's life song has ended, but her melody will linger on forever.

Come and go visitation at Ballard Funeral Home, Wednesday, July 27, 2016 starting at 9am - 7pm. Mary's life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the First Church of the Nazarene, 501 N Sycamore Ave, Roswell, NM at 10 am. Her body will be laid to rest at South Park Cemetery. After the festivities the family will receive friends at The Unity Center, 108 E. Bland St, Roswell NM.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Service

Funeral Serivce

First Church of the Nazarene
501 N. Sycamore Ave.
Roswell, NM  88201

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203