Rosendo "Ross" Gonzales Jr.

Born September 4, 1936 in Los Valles de San Augustin, New Mexico, to Rosendo and Martina Gonzales, the fourth of eight children. Rosendo passed on October 3, 2024 at home, surrounded by family, in peace.
Ross is survived by his loving wife Clara of 66 years, as well as a daughter, Lora, and granddaughter Laura Mae (Andrew Griego) and great grandson Henry. Ross is also survived by brothers Arturo (Josie), Bernardo (Lilly), and David (Anna Mae), as well as by his sister Mary (Leonard Ludi) and sister-in-law Eva Gonzales. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives, and numerous friends.
Rosendo is preceded in death by his young son Ross Roy, his parents Rosendo and Martina, and sisters Josie Contreras and husband Joe Contreras, Sophie Ortega and husband Joe Ortega, and brother Lorenzo Gonzales.
Rosendo attended Menaul High School in Albuquerque and graduated from West Las Vegas High School.
Ross - as most people knew him - followed his passion and fulfilled his lifelong dream of being a Rancher and Farmer, dedicating himself to nurturing the land as well as his family. He was a policeman for many years and later had his own security service for merchants. With his wife Clara he built their home in Las Vegas where they spent their life. He worked the land of the same village where he grew up, while helping to raise his granddaughter. A strong family-man, he left his mark on all who knew him, and was a proud member of his community.
Through strength and honor, he led a life of respect and decency, providing a shining example of how to lead with love. He loved his land, his animals, playing the guitar and singing. He loved his work, which brought him great joy, but most of all he loved his girls: his wife, daughter, and granddaughter. The love and care he showed them will live on in their souls, and through all the souls who knew him.
A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 9:00 am also at Our Lady of Sorrows with Fr. Rob Yaksich officiating. Interment will follow at San Jose Cemetery in Las Vegas, NM with the following serving as Pallbearers; Andrew Griego, Mark Gonzales, Jessie Tapia, Eric Tapia, Adam Gonzales, Dean Chavez, Steve Baca, and Caesar Chavez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Leonard Ludi, Arthur Gonzales, Alvin Gonzales, Stacey Montano, Eric Contreras, Tino Gallegos, Dan Montoya, Arthur Martinez, Dan Benavidez, Jimmy Ortega, Dennis Chavez, and Marvin Gonzales.
Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.
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