Melinda Gonzales

Melinda Eileen Gonzales, age 61, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31st, 2017. A 1973 graduate of Espanola High School, at age 18 she received her Licensed Practical Nurse certificate from McCurdy and later a certificate in massage therapy. She was well known for her dedication and commitment to her family and the youth of La Iglesia de Santa Cruz Catholic Church. In 1976, Melinda married the love of her life, Eloy Gonzales. They had four children; Joel, Angelo, Joey, Marcy and 6 grandchildren. Melinda was a true servant of God and her passion was working with the youth. In 1994 she founded The Oasis of Peace Youth Group at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada Catholic Church in Espanola whose main purpose is to provide opportunities for local youth to give back to their community and participate in youth ministry. To this day, hundreds of youth and their family have been a part of this group and they continue strong today. Throughout her life she received many awards recognizing her dedication and commitment to our local youth and to her catholic faith. She was a pillar in the community and was an inspiration to many.
Melinda was preceded in death by her grandparents, Federico and Aurora Martinez; Manuel and Marcelina Maestas; father, Carlos Martinez and step-mother Sally Martinez; father-in-law, Jose Gonzales; sons, Angelo and Joel Gonzales; brothers, Johnny Sr., Cecilio Sr., and Adam Sr. Martinez; and nephew Juanito Jr. (Yvonne). Melinda is survived by her husband, Eloy Gonzales; her son, Joey and daughter-in-law Trisha Gonzales, grandchildren, Arianna, Devina, and Joshua Gonzales of Arroyo Seco; her daughter, Marcy (Adam) Garcia and granddaughters Alex Quintana, Anjelica, and Anika Garcia of Rio Rancho; mother, Geraldine Arrebalos of Espanola; brothers, Dennis (Mary Jane) Martinez of San Pedro, Waldo (Lisa) Martinez of Espanola, sisters, Carla Leivas of Ojo Caliente, Julia (Albert) Ortiz of Espanola and Mary (Frank) Cordova of Alcalde; mother-in-law, Eliza Gonzales; sister-in-laws, Kathy Herrera of Denver, Jeanette (Jonathon) of Hernandez, Linda Maestas of Denver; and brother-in-law, Anthony Gonzales (Kathy) of Arroyo Seco.
Public visitation will begin on Monday, September 4, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada Catholic Church with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. also at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada Catholic Church. Graveside services will take place on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Serving the family as pallbearers will be her godsons, Mario Martinez, Adrian Martinez, Faveion Martinez, and Warren Maestas, and her nephews Antonio Gonzales, Ruben Martinez, Eric Ortiz and Adam Martinez. Honorary pallbearers will be her godchildren, Alice Herrera, Crystal Salaz, JJ Garcia, and all her nieces and nephews. The family of Melinda Gonzales has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477

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