Ernest F. Gonzales

Ernest F. Gonzales, 88 of Santa Rosa, NM passed away at his daughter’s home on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 following an illness. Ernest was born on October 10, 1931 in Roy, New Mexico to the home of Nick Gonzales and Pablita (Archuleta) Gonzales. Ernest attended school in Roy, NM and Clayton, NM, where in graduated High School in 1952. Ernest married Anona “Pat” Board on November 3, 1957. They made their home in Santa Rosa in 1971. Ernest worked for the New Mexico State Highway Department, Soil and Water Conservation and the Army Corps of Engineers, where he retired from in Santa Rosa. Ernest was a member of the NM National Guard from 1948 to 1991 and held the position of ISG/E8. Ernest was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and was also a member of the Santa Rosa Volunteer Fire Department, NRA and the American Legion. He also enjoyed horseback riding, roping, hunting with his sons and grandsons, playing poker and pool and he greatly enjoyed the time he spent with his family. Ernest is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 60 years; Pat in 2017, a son; Nicholas Scott Gonzales in 1990, brothers; Casimiro Gonzales, Nick Gonzales and Manuel Gonzales and sisters; Isadora Armijo and Lucia Sawyer. Ernest is survived by two daughters; Tammy Gonzales of Santa Rosa, Mischelle Sisneros of Santa Rosa, two sons; Ernest Gonzales and wife Sharon of Los Lunas, NM, Billy John Gonzales and wife Annette of Logan, NM, 23 grandchildren Sharla and Mario Trujillo, J.R. and Noel Urban, Max IV and Jessica Sisneros, Alan and Shonie Sisneros, Josh Sisneros, Natanya Sisneros, Kaitlyn Sisneros, Ernie III and Lorena Gonzales, Larry and Desiree Gallegos, Isabella Gonzales and Casandra Gonzales, Gabriel and Adrenne, Desarae and Kim, Michael and Adeline, Jeremy and Kayla, John and Theresa Zamora, Richard Scott Goke and Angelica, Zane and Danielle Reeves, Angelica and Klay Rodgers, Jerrica Gonzales, Jessica Gonzales, Matthew and Bobby Dimas, Alexandria and Angelo Romo, 39 great-grandchildren Aislyn, Mario Jr., Tristin, and Jason Trujillo, Josh, Breanna, Isaiah, Jalyn Urban, Max V, Payton, and Cinco Sisneros, Amariah, Brandon, Alysa, Aislynn, Gallegos, April, Ernie IV, Jacob, Scotty Gonzales, Anizza, M.J., Angel, Zadie, and Icis Gonzales, Derek, Nathan, Jasmine, Esmee Gonzales, Roman Dallas Reeves, Filimon, Joe, Anthony, Maria, and Damien Dimas, Isabella, Adessa, and Joaquin Romo, Landyn, Liam, Layton, Lucas, and one on the way; Kalvin Rodgers, as well as one great-great grandchild; Eric Gallegos, sisters; Juanita Ulmer of Albuquerque, NM, Marcella Hamie and husband Harry of Las Vegas , NV, Florence Vigil and husband Adolfo of Albuquerque, NM, Celestina Gonzales of Albuquerque, NM, brother; Richard Gonzales and wife Irene of Clayton, NM, brother-in-law; Don Sawyer of Boston, MA and sister-in-law; Annie Gonzales of Las Cruces, NM, along with many nieces and nephews, family and friends. Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary took place at 7 pm on Sunday, July 19, 2020, and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 am on Monday, July 20, 2020, both from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, NM. Burial with Military Honors took place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa, NM with the following serving as pallbearers: Jose Urban, Alan Sisneros, Ernie Gonzales, III, Mario Trujillo, Jr., John Zamora, Josh Sisneros, Ernie Gonzales, IV, Tristin Trujillo and Alexandria Romo. Honorary Pallbearers are; Zane Reeves, Richard Goke, Mathew Dimas, Joaquin Romo, Jason Trujillo, Cinco Sisneros and Landyn Zamora as well as many remaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.