Linda J. Gonzales

Linda J. Gonzales, 58 of Fort Sumner, NM died Saturday, December 22, 2012 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, TX following an illness. Linda was born September 10, 1954 in Fort Sumner, NM. She was a lifelong resident and attended Fort Sumner Schools. Linda married Herman Gonzales on November 10, 1973 in Fort Sumner. She worked for several years at the Pecos Valley Care Center in Fort Sumner. According to her family, Linda enjoyed playing bingo, watching her "Novelas", and shopping at Walmart. She especially loved her family, spending time with her children and grandchildren and was involved in all their activities. She enjoyed spending her afternoons sitting on her porch with her husband, going for rides in and around Fort Sumner and listening to Christian music. Her greatest admiration was her trust in the Lord and her faith. She always put her trust in God and knew that He would always guide her in the right direction. Her devotion to God was shown by her love to others. She loved others like God loved and she followed his example to love others unconditionally. She is a perfect role model and a living testament for all her family and friends. Linda is preceded in death by an infant son in 1977, a niece Kierra Lopez, grandparents Alfredo and Camilla Lucero, sister-in-law Lucy Blea, her in-law's Leandro and Alberta Gonzales, and her beloved pet, Precious. Survivors include her husband Herman Gonzales of the home in Fort Sumner, a daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Matt Alvarado of Portales, NM, a son Herman Gonzales Jr., of Portales, NM, her mother Rebecca Lopez of Fort Sumner, two sisters Irene Anaya and husband Andy of Fort Sumner, Vicky Lopez of Clovis, five brothers Ramon (Joann Detrich) Lopez of Fort Sumner, Pat (Glenda) Lopez of Gallup, NM, Gerald Lopez of Fort Sumner, NM, Larry (Tracy) Lopez of Roswell, Perry (Maggie) Lopez of Arizona; three grandchildren Alivia Jade Gonzales, Patrick Jaden Alvarado, and Noah Matthew Alvarado all of Portales along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation hours will be Wednesday from 1:00PM to 5:30PM at the funeral home. Rosary services will be held at 7pm Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am Thursday, December 27, 2012 from the church with Father Paul Nkumbi officiating. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Jason Gonzales, D.J. Gonzales, Perry Lopez, Larry Lopez, Ramon Lopez, Gerald Lopez, Pat Lopez, Manuel Lucero, Andy Anaya and Jerry Gonzales. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM (575) 355-2311.