Romola Gonzales

Mrs. Romola Gonzalez passed on to be in the arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, October 2, 2016. She was 87 years old. Romola was born to Jose and Maria in Iloilo City, Philippines, on July 23, 1929

Romola was a vibrant, generous and light hearted woman. She was born and raised in Iloilo City, on the island of Panay in the Philippines. She grew up in a happy home with a treasure trove of siblings and family with a strong foundational support based on faith. As a teen, World War 2 found its way to her home. Her mother took the family and continuously fled, just ahead of the encroaching Japanese army. During these trials her young faith in God would create in her a strength she would carry all her life.

After the war Romola met her future husband, a young man who would have to win over his future mother-in-law and her brothers if he were to have any chance with her, by the name of Eduardo. They had met in church and he soon won them over, and their sister and daughter became his wife. Mrs. Gonzalez got involved with Gideon's International through her husband and in the mid-sixties found herself at a Gideon's conference in Michigan. Opportunity presented itself and Mrs. Gonzalez ended up with a Master Degree in education from Texas Tech University in 1969. She dedicated her life to the education of others, teaching all levels. But mostly, she worked with kids and focused on teaching art to children until the end of her career.

Romola had a passion for art and loved to work in water colors. From creating compositions of people to the process of detailing landscapes, Romola enjoyed the creativeness of discovery as much as the final results. As she got older Mrs. Gonzalez began to explore ballroom dancing for exercise and to be with friends. She learned from them and was thrilled by the art of dance. Much of her social time however was within church. Since childhood, she loved her church and being an active participant was important to her. She helped in preparing after service meals and taught Sunday school. But her real strength was in prayer. She was a dedicated prayer warrior like her mother who spent her time helping others through prayer. She was an important link in the prayer chain and a trusted member.

Mrs. Gonzalez would insist that her legacy is the love of her family both wholly and unconditional. Her faith in God and the love she has placed in her savior was the foundation for the love she gave. Although her family is grieved, they hold the promise that they will be reunited.

Romola Gonzalez is survived by her daughter June Grace Gonzalez-Bautista of the Philippines; sons Jay Gonzalez of Roswell NM, Jed and Nikki Gonzalez of Los Angeles CA; sister Rosa Thaiaporn of Thailand; grandchildren Byron, Nico, Matthew and Michael Bautista; Jemiah Gonzalez; Niko and Jon Gonzalez, and cousins and nieces whom she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Eduardo P. Gonzalez Jr., four brothers and three sisters.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
1 to 5 PM

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, October 6, 2016
8 AM to 1 PM

Service

Ballard Funeral Chapel
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, October 6, 2016
2:00 PM