Josie L. Gonzales

1930 - 2013

Josie L. Gonzales 83, a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2013, at Alta Vista Regional Hospital due to an extended illness.

She was born on Feb. 8, 1930, in Gonzales Ranch to Gavino Lovato and Florinda Chavez Lovato.

She worked at the Las Vegas City Schools for 17 years as a food services specialist and retired in 1992. Prior to her service with the Las Vegas City Schools, Josie worked at the Parachute Company.

After her retirement she continued with her talent and special skills in the kitchen, cooking and baking a masterpiece of delicious foods for family and friends. She was also talented in creating jewelry. She enjoyed going to the flea market and yard sales. During the chile season she enjoyed going for chile with her sister Helen. She was hooked on the novelas. She loved going to visit her family and friends.

She spoiled everyone by taking them burritos to their workplace; if you were one of them then you were lucky. She started cooking at the age of 7.

Her service to the world was to feed all that she encountered. Josie had a very genuine and big heart and was good to people and helped many; was hospitable, opening her home to others. She will be remembered by everyone always coming in having coffee and sharing a meal.

She had a lot of faith in God whom she trusted, always thanking Him for another day of life. She knew the end was near as she was leaving for the hospital that morning taking a last look and saying goodbye to her casita.

She leaves behind her family, friends, many memories, and was loved by many and she will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Betty Jane Gonzales; granddaughter, Raeann Herrera; step-mother, Carolina Lovato; sisters, Vivian Ortiz, Dora Griego and Eloisa Garcia; brothers, Louie Lovato, Joe Lovato and Benny Lovato.

She is survived by her daughters, Angelin G. Maddux of Las Vegas, and Dorothy G. Herrera and husband Richard of Pueblo, Colo.; son, Joe E. Gonzales of Taos; brothers and sisters, Paul Lovato, Helen Zamora and Ida, Estevan Lovato, Gavino Lovato, all of Las Vegas, Moises Lovato of Albuquerque, Martha Montaño and Floyd Lovato of Alamogordo; grandchildren, Steven and wife Lillian Padilla of Mora, Francessa and husband Arnold Gutierrez of Las Vegas, Michael Christopher Gonzales Maddux of Las Vegas, Wendy J. Salas of Juneau, Alaska, Davida Salas of Pueblo, Colo., Betty Joe Gallegos of Las Vegas, and Joseph Gonzales of Taos; great- grandchildren, Kimberly Martinez, Tiffany L. Padilla, Amaliah Cruz, Isaiah E Baca, Uriah J. Baca, Nolan Ulibarri, Brandy Ulibarri, Karlee Salas, Seandre Transou, Jumane Transou, D'Mario Gallegos; great-great- grandchildren, AJ Martinez, Adrian Michael Martinez, Felecity Ulibarri; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, Rachel Garcia, Peggy Hoogerhuis, Lucy Trujillo, Mary Salazar, Trudy Salazar, Betsy Gomez, Mike Arranda; and special niece, Ida Liebert.

Services were held on Saturday with Pastor Leroy Aragon officiating.

Arrangements were under the direction of Rogers Mortuary in Las Vegas.

The family of Josie L. Gonzales would like to thank: Dr. Kevin Rosenberg and staff at Alta Vista Regional Hospital, Helen's Burritos and More, Daylight Doughnuts, Qwest Diagnostics in Pueblo Colo., Walmart Associates, Pastor Leroy Aragon, the Mountain View Church of Christ, all family, friends, and neighbors for their food, donations, flowers, prayers and thoughtful kind words. God Bless You All.