Billy Gonzales

Billy Gonzales, age 54, passed away unexpectedly on April 23, 2007 at his residence in Santa Rosa. Billy was born on June 21, 1952 in Fort Sumner, NM to the home of Lee Gonzales and Bennie Garcia. He was reared and attended schools in Santa Rosa. Billy served in the United States Army from 1971 through 1973 where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Marksman Badge. Billy worked as a cook for several years at the old Comet Drive Inn. He loved to draw, play his guitar and landscape his yard. Billy is preceded in death by his wife Charlotte Theresa. Survivors include his mother Bennie Griego of Santa Rosa, his brothers and sisters; Joe Gonzales and wife Betty of Portales, Isabel Hobbs of Petersburg, TX, Esther Garcia and Tudy of Santa Rosa, Alfonso Garcia of Santa Fe, Ambrosio Garcia and wife Margie of Santa Rosa, Amelia Rockelein and husband Ron of Rye, NH, Erlinda Baca of Albuquerque, Charles Garcia and wife Bernadette of Santa Rosa. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Wednesday, April 25, at 7:00 PM from St. Rose Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 26, at 10:00 AM also from St. Rose Church with Father Nick Nichols officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Matthew Ulibarri, Louie Marquez, Ambrosio Garcia, Edward Mefford, Silver Chavez, Ryan Olguin, Peachy Chavez, and Ramon Gallegos. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Tudy Romero, Bryan Trujillo, Andres Gonzales, and Matthew Garcia. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. www.chavezfuneralhome.com