Stella Theresa Gomez, 92, of El Rancho, NM, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Stella was born in La Madera, NM, on March 31,1934 to Daniel and Carlota Lovato. She graduated from Ojo Caliente High School.

Stella was preceded in death by her son Rick Gomez; parents Daniel and Carlota Lovato; in-laws Ramon and Bernardita Gomez; daughter-in-law Carol Gomez; siblings Daniel (Lucy) Lovato, Phil (Grace) Lovato, Sarah (Perfecto) Manzanares, Loyola (Herman) Griego, Tommy Lovato, Gilbert (Toni) Lovato, and Carlotita Lovato.

Stella was a devoted and tireless woman whose life was rooted in caring for others. As the proud owner of Stella’s Beauty Salon in El Rancho for over 50 years, she touched hundreds of lives with not only her skill, but her warmth, kindness, and steady presence. A devoted Catholic, she sang in the El Rancho church choir for over 40 years and baptized over 20 children. She was immensely proud of her five granddaughters, finding great joy in watching them grow and succeed. She will be remembered for her generosity, strength, and the love she gave so freely.

She is survived by her husband Ramon Gomez Jr.; son Harold Gomez; sister Zella Martinez; sister-in-law Elsie Lovato; grandchildren Christine (Hector) Perez, Leticia Gomez (Neil Morrison), Camille (Isaac) Martinez, Cathleen Gomez (Josh Esquibel), and DeliAna Gomez; great-grandchildren Liam Gomez, Catherine Perez, Easton Martinez, Arthur Perez, Elian Nuñez, and Emma Martinez; in-laws Rosella (Arcy) Rivera, George (Patricia) Gomez, Nora (Herman) Trujillo, Diana (Floyd) Ortiz, and Tony Gomez (Norma Taylor); close cousin Bennie Peña, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to AmberCare Hospice for their support in her final days. Special thank you to Maria Herrera for providing compassion, dignity, and kindness to Stella. Thank you to the Penitentes de La Madera for reciting the rosary and the El Rancho choir for singing at her funeral mass.

The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 9:30 am at the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church in Pojoaque, NM, followed by Burial at 11:00 am the La Cruz Cemetery in El Rancho, NM. A reception to follow at the Cities of Gold ballroom.

The Pallbearers are Isaac Martinez, Hector Perez, Neil Morrison, Josh Esquibel, and Lester Griego. Honorary pallbearers will be great grandsons Liam Gomez, Easton Martinez, Arthur Perez, Elian Nuñez and the remaining nephews and God-children.

The family of Stella Gomez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477