Guadalupe Gonzales

Guadalupe Perez Gonzales, 93, of Menard, was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 31, after a short stay at the Menard Manor. A rosary will be Wednesday, August 1, at 7 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, with services at 10 AM on Thursday, August 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. "Lupe" was born on December 12, 1924 in Paint Rock to Hipolito and Celestina Perez. She talked fondly of how she loved living out in the country, and how she and her twelve siblings would help their father with his daily ranch hand duties. She and her family moved to Menard, and she soon met and married Santiago "James" Gonzales Sr. in 1943 where they raised four children. Whatever living they made at the time, they always did it together. They did migratory farming and sheep shearing work that took them through many midwestern states; they managed several local restaurants and bars in Junction, Brady, and Menard, one of which was Menard's famed Riverside Bar. They sold firewood in their later years where after an enduring day of work, Lupe would proudly say, "Se Ventarron Los Lineros." - "The wood cutters did a good job today." She was also known for her years as a devoted homemaker, cook, and a talented crafter. Her love for sewing, crocheting, embroidery, and quilting will remain with family and friends through the gifts she made for them, especially the pinatas for her grands' birthday parties. She is preceded in death husband, James; three children, Elida "Sugar" Abilez, Gerald "Jerry" Gonzales Sr, and Patricia Spiller; and her eleven siblings. She is survived by her son, Santiago "Jamie" Gonzales Jr and Celia of Menard; daughter-in-law, Ruth "Cuca" Gonzales of Ballinger; son-in-law, Andy Abilez of Junction; sister, Mary and Ismael Gamez of Hereford; brother-in-law, Robert "Trini" and Rene Gonzales of Menard; and sister-in-law, Vera Gonzales of Brady. She, affectionately known as "Mamo," also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and sixteen cherished great, great grandchildren. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and blessings to the Menard Manor staff and the home health services, especially attendant, Erin Salinas, who helped her maintain her independence for many years.

Guadalupe Gonzales

December 12, 1924 - July 31, 2018