Velia Gonzales

Velia Gonzales, 81, of Amarillo, TX passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024, surrounded by her family. 

Velia was born on October 28, 1942, in Eden, TX to Santos and Marcelina Perez. She grew up around Brady, TX and moved to Dimmitt, TX at a young age. She married the love of her life, Juan (Johnny) Gonzales Sr. on December 28, 1963, and moved to the Hart/Kress area where they farmed for twenty-two years. She worked at Kress Independent School District for many years where she drove a school bus and worked for the school. She was loved by many students and faculty members. Her smile was radiant and would brighten up any room she entered. Velia and Juan (Johnny) moved to Amarillo in 1987 where they made a loving home and raised five wonderful children. Mom adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was their best cheerleader and made sure she was involved in every part of their lives. Birthdays and holidays were always at Grandma’s (Wita’s) house. Mom loved crafting as can be seen by the many treasures decorating her home. In Amarillo she leaves behind many friends of whom they call her “mom” as she was such a caring and loving person. Mom was also cared for by DeVita Dialysis for seven years where she made many friends and was always encouraging to others as she herself battled the many setbacks of dialysis.

She was a devoted Christian and member of St. Laurence Catholic Church. When she was no longer able to attend in person, she made sure to watch the mass every day on television.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, Santos and Marcelina Perez, loving husband, Juan (Johnny) Gonzales, Sr.; daughter, Marie Elena Holguin; great-grandson, Augustin Daniel Rodriguez; and sister, Selia Cabrera.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories, a daughter, Linda Morales and husband Jose, of Amarillo, TX; three sons, Eddie Gonzales and wife Lupe, of Lubbock, TX, Juan Gonzales, Jr., of Amarillo, TX, and Joshua Gonzales and wife Jade, of Amarillo, TX; two brothers, Santos Perez, Jr. and wife Connie, and Robert Perez, all of Dimmitt, TX; a sister, Janie Ramirez, of Dimmitt, TX; eight grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will begin Monday afternoon at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home. Rosary will be at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel. Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at St. Laurence Catholic Church followed by burial at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.