Mary Gauna

Mary C. Gauna, 85, of Fort Sumner, NM, passed away peacefully at her home early Friday morning on March 28, 2014, surrounded by the love of her family. Mary was born December 5, 1928, in Fort Sumner, NM. She attended Fort Sumner schools. Mary was a devoted mother and respected business operator. She enjoyed watching sporting events, especially when her children and grandchildren were participating. She loved to cook and bake and was famous within her family for her oatmeal pecan cookies. If she knew her kids and/or grandkids were coming, there was always a FULL cookie jar and extra to take home for everybody. Mary & Fred Gauna spent almost 58-years together and operated the Golden Ox Restaurant & Bar from 1977-1980.  In 1980, they created Fred's Restaurant & Lounge, a family-owned business that continues still today. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Catarino and Dolores (Mendez) Casaus, five brothers Gilbert, Alberto, Alfonso, Gilberto and Rudolfo Casaus, a sister, Carmelita Anaya, two infant granddaughters Michelle Loren and Rena Nicole Martinez and an infant grandson, Kristopher Gauna. She is survived by her husband Fred G. Gauna of the home in Fort Sumner, a brother, Catarino Casaus, Jr. and his wife, Lisa of Fort Sumner, a daughter, Mary Ann Brown of Lubbock, TX, four sons Robert (Bobby) Martinez and his wife Christina of Winter Park, FL, Michael Martinez and his wife Iva-Jo of Roswell, NM, Paul Gauna of Fort Sumner, and Ronnie Gauna and his wife Marie of Fort Sumner. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends. A rosary will be recited at 7pm Monday, March 31, 2014, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church at 10am, Tuesday, April 1, 2014. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons Damon Martinez, Philip Martinez, Nicholas Brown, Joaquin Nieto, Gabriel Nieto, Michael Lucero, Jeremy Gauna, Jarrod Gauna, Joshua Gauna and Lucas Gauna, honorary bearers will be her granddaughters, Jennifer Dostie, Hannah Martinez, Marissa Gonzales, Rose Jansson, Jenah Gauna and Katie Gauna. Visitation will be Sunday, March 30th & Monday, March 31st from 1pm to 6pm at the funeral home. The family requests that memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, be made in Mary's name to Interim Hospice, 2300 N. Main St #19, Clovis, NM 88101. We would like to thank the staff at Interim Hospice in Clovis for the personal, loving care and compassion shown to Mom and our entire family. We couldn’t have made it without the knowledge and strength of Cindy, Tonya and Linda. We are forever thankful. Ana – we appreciate your visits on the weekends when we couldn’t be there ourselves – we always knew she would be okay until we got home. To Mary, who loved our Mom as much as she loved her own, we thank you and will always love you. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311