Alberta S. Gonzales

Alberta S. Gonzales, 88 of Fort Sumner died Thursday, January 15, 2004 at Plains Regional Medical Center following a sudden illness. Alberta was born March 16, 1915 in Fort Sumner to the home of Jose C. Sena and the former Estefanita Trujillo. She was reared and attended school in Fort Sumner. Alberta married Leandro Gonzales on January 16, 1939 in Santa Rosa. She spent her life caring for her family. She loved to cook, joke with, and care for her grandchildren; she enjoyed their daily visits. Alberta read her bible daily she prayed everyday for her family especially her grandsons and granddaughters serving with the US Armed Forces. She was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Alberta was preceded in death by her husband Leandro Gonzales in 1996; a daughter Dolores Sanchez in 1981; five brothers Reymundo Sena, Olegario Sena, Salomon Sena, Alfonso Sena, A.T. Sena, and two sisters Aurelia Lucero and Odelia Casaus. Survivors include six sons Willie Gonzales and wife Rosalie; Jerry Gonzales and wife Joan; Ernest Gonzales; Herman Gonzales and wife Linda; Harold Gonzales; Tony Lucero and wife Ana; two daughters Lucy Blea; and Erma Rodriguez and husband Vincent all of Fort Sumner. Also surviving are two brothers Roman T. Sena and wife Faviola; Carlos T. Sena and wife Christina of Fort Sumner; 39 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 P.M. Sunday, January 18, 2004 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Mass will be celebrated from the church at 10:00 A.M. Monday, January 19, 2004 with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Derek Blea, Rudy Barreras, Johnny Joe Lopez, Geno Gonzales, Jason Gonzales, Herman Gonzales Jr., Jesse Sanchez, Carlos Lopez, and Lawrence Sanchez. Honorary bearers will be all her grand and great-grandchildren. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (505) 355-2311.