Paula (Johnson) Lopez

Rosary and Mass for Paula Kay (Johnson) Lopez, 50 of Santa Rosa, NM will be held at 10am Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Paula passed away Friday, August 21, 2015 at her home in Santa Rosa following an illness. She was born September 20, 1964 in Santa Rosa to the home of Jimmie Wayne and Ethelynn (Dingman) Johnson. She grew up in Puerto De Luna, NM, attended school in Santa Rosa, graduating in 1982. She attended Highlands University from 1987-1992 where she received her Bachelor of Education degree. She worked her first year as a second grade teacher at Vaughn, she later taught at Santa Rosa Elementary School from 1993-2008 including 11 years as a kindergarten teacher. Paula was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, NM Education Association, Parent Teacher Organization, where she volunteered many hours at the school.Paula enjoyed reading, going to yard sales, music, singing, dancing and spending time with her children and grandchildren.Paula is preceded in death by her father Jimmie Wayne Johnson on April 1, 2004, her paternal grandparents Rudolph and Sophie Johnson, and her maternal grandparents Roy and Gwenetta Dingman.She is survived by her spouse, Valentin Gonzalez of the home in Santa Rosa, three daughters Sara Lopez (Cruz Romero), of Anton Chico,  Jennifer Lopez (Jesus Granado) of Santa Rosa, Valeria Gonzalez of Santa Rosa, two sons Justin Lopez and Jonathan Gonzalez of Santa Rosa. Also surviving is her mother Ethelynn Labate (Bill) of Joseph, Oregon, two sisters Netta Coleman (Ron) of Ruidoso, Jennifer Medford (Warren) of Joseph, Oregon, two brothers Melvin Johnson (Esther) of Corona, and Bill Johnson (Joel) of Santa Rosa, 7 grandchildren Aiden Salazar, Allison Romero, Addison Romero, Cruz Romero Jr., Kevin Lopez, Jacob Garza, and Juno Granado along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street, Santa Rosa, New Mexico. (575) 472-3369.