Rumaldo Gonzales

Rumaldo Gonzales, 97 a longtime Fort Sumner resident died Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at Clovis Healthcare following a short illness. Rumaldo was born on April 30, 1910 in Resolanas, De Baca County, NM the son of Rumaldo and Juanita (Segura) Gonzales. Rumaldo married Aurora Madrid in December 1930 at Fort Sumner. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in December 2000. As a young man he worked as a sheepherder south of Fort Sumner and for many years as a cook in Artesia, Carlsbad, Melrose, Vaughn and Fort Sumner. Rumaldo and Aurora established and operated Tito’s Café in Fort Sumner from 1965 until 1988. During these years he was also employed for the Santa Fe Railroad for many years. Rumaldo was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner; he enjoyed gardening and traveling to visit relatives. He was a very special father and grandfather to all his family who affectionately called him “Papie”. He was preceded in death by wife Aurora M. Gonzales on March 28, 2001, five brothers Julian, Pablo, Frank, Daniel and Ismael, two sisters Veneranda Lovato and Aurora Lopez, a grandson Ramon J. Casaus and a son-in-law Rudy Casaus. Survivors include a daughter Corine Casaus of Fort Sumner; three sons Arturo Gonzales and wife Dolores; Demetrio Gonzales and wife Corina and Rumaldito “Tito” Gonzales all of Fort Sumner. Also surviving are two brothers Max Gonzales of Melrose and Rumaldo S. Gonzales and wife Nattie of Clovis along with 19 Grandchildren and 52 Great-grandchildren, 42 Great-Great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 PM Saturday, January 19, 2008 from the Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner with Selestino and Mary Lovato leading the prayers. A second rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Sunday, January 20, 2008 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner with Pauline Hernandez leading the prayers. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Monday, January 21, 2008 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Burial will follow at. St. Anthony Cemetery. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation hours will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1PM to 6PM at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 N. Fifth street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (505) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or note of condolence please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com