Helen Gonzales

Helen Gonzales, 92, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2019 at Vida Encantada Assisted Living in Las Vegas, NM. Helen was born to the home of Jose Maria Gonzales and Josephita (Casaus) Gonzales on March 27, 1926 in Ft. Sumner, NM on the Salado Homestead along the Salado Creek.  Helen was reared on the family ranch and attended school in Borica.  She loved all aspects of ranch life, ranging from the day to day routines, to working with livestock and all areas involved in the agricultural life.  She had such an affinity for ranch life, that as an adult, she continued to work on various ranches around Guadalupe County alongside her husband, Pete.  Helen and her husband Pete, also enjoyed dancing, so much so, that they traveled around the county attending many dances and making many friends. Helen is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Pete Velasquez, sisters; Ernestine Ortega and husband Santiago and Mary Frances Via and husband Arturo.  Helen is survived by her sons; Martin Gonzales and wife Anita of Santa Rosa, Herman Gonzales of Santa Rosa and Mike Williams of Phoenix, Arizona, and her daughter; Mary Apodaca and husband Leroy of Santa Rosa.  She is also survived by her brother; George Gonzales and wife Deanna of Santa Rosa.  Also surviving Helen are numerous Grandchildren, Great-grandchildren, relatives and friends. Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, officiated by Father Christopher Bernabe.  Interment will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa. Serving as Pallbearers are; Victoria Flores, Arthur Chip Gonzales, Bryan Chavez, Adam Madrid, Ryan Gonzales, Deann Gonzales and Santiago Gonzales. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM  88435.  575-472-3369.  To Place an on-line condolence, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com