Elena Gonzales

Mary 'Elena' Gonzales, 78, of Anton, Texas, entered eternal life on November 14, 2025, in Anton, Texas. She was born on March 15, 1947, in Fresno, California, to Jose Eliaz and Manuela Salazar.

Elena was married to Joe Harry Gonzales for forty-eight years. They married in Littlefield, Texas and spent their lives together making memories until he went on to be with the Lord on March 14, 2011. Together, they had five children. Raising her children was not seen as a job for Elena because she loved her children and was a wonderful mother to them all. Elena was blessed to have fifteen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren that were all the joys of her life. They referred to her as their 'Momo.' She proudly always took care of those she loved. Elena was a caregiver for her mom, sister, and her husband in their passing days. Her love and compassion for tending to her loved ones never went unappreciated, nor overlooked. Elena's curiosity of life kept her with a fresh outlook on things and with a servant's heart. She will be remembered for the loving heart she displayed to all that encountered her.

Nevertheless, Elena was a charitable woman of God and would help anyone in need. Elena was a member of St. Anthony's de Padua Catholic Church in Anton, Texas. One attribute that made Elena special was that she was a loyal friend. She could be compared to a matriarch because she held everyone together. Elena was not just a loving person, but she was also a hard worker. She worked at the Lamb County Library until 2010. Working at the Library was another passion of hers because Elena was such an avid reader. In addition to being captivated by books, she also enjoyed fishing and shopping. Some of her favorite stores to shop at were Khol's and Hobby Lobby. Much like reading, she would browse stores until her heart was content.

Those left to cherish her memory are her three sons, Armando Gonzales and Janet of Lubbock, Texas, Richard Gonzales and Crystal of Haskell, Texas, Ruben Lopez and Jenny of Anton, Texas; two daughters, Mary Ann Alvarado and Richard of Anton, Texas, Carolyn Lopez and Federico of Anton, Texas; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; a sister, Adelina Villanueva of Shallowater, Texas; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Elena was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Harry Gonzales; both parents, Jose Eliaz and Manuela Salazar; a brother, Jaime Salazar; and a sister, Adela Lopez.

Funeral services for Mary Elena Gonzales will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at St. Anthony's de Padua Catholic Church in Anton, Texas with Father Seth officiating. Visitation will be at 4:00p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Grace Chapel within Hillcrest Funeral Home and the rosary to follow at 6:00p.m. Interment will follow in Anton Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Kristopher Alvarado, Brandon Rios, Joshua Lopez, Brian Gonzales, Adam Lopez, Noah Salsman, Jonah Gonzales, Elijah Gonzales, Ezrah Gonzales.

Arrangements are under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield, Texas.