Katie Gonzales

Katie Ornelas Gonzales, 75, a resident of Albuquerque, passed into paradise surrounded by family, friends and loved ones to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, January 14, 2013. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Raymond Gonzales of Albuquerque, NM; Son Jeffery R. Gonzales and wife Melissa of Broomfield, CO; granddaughter Catherine Gonzales of Honolulu, HI; Daughter Sandra Rasnake and husband Tony of Colorado Springs CO; siblings Cruz Ornelas and partner Virginia Cooper, Andrea Huebner, Richard Ornelas and wife Veronica, Isidro Ornelas and wife Mary Ann, and many other family and friends. Mrs. Gonzales was preceded in death by her parents Octaviano and Lupe Ornelas. Katie grew up on her parent's farm in Luis Lopez, New Mexico. She met her husband at a Sadie Hawkins dance. They became sweethearts and married. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Because her husband relocated about the country as an engineer, she took care of her family through many moves. She lived in Colorado, Montana, Washington, South Dakota, California and back to New Mexico. She also greatly supported her Navy son with visits to Annapolis MD, Texas, Meridian MS, Oak Harbor, WA, New Orleans, LA, Tokyo Japan and Honolulu HI. She also traveled to Alaska, various places in Mexico, Florida, Las Vegas NV, and the Bahamas. Katie was a faithful member of the Shrine of St. Bernadette serving in the Alter Rosary Society, as a Eucharistic Minister with her husband, and a Catechist. Mrs. Gonzales had served on the boards of the YMCA and the Dominican Retreat House. She completed the four year Religious Education Program in Theology at the Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs, CO. She was an avid supporter of the military and of disabled veterans. She worked as a floral designer and in promotions and advertising. She appeared in a commercial with her husband for Presbyterian Senior Health Care. She was a devoted dog lover who loved and took care many over the years. Her favorite dog, a white poodle named Sir Jaws, will be waiting for her by Rainbow Bridge. A Rosary will be recited on Friday, January 18, 2013, 6:00 pm at FRENCH - Lomas, with Deacon Al McLane reciting with visitation beginning at 5:00 pm. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 9:00 am at the Shrine of St Bernadette, 11401 Indian School RD NE with celebrant Reverend Leo Padget and Deacon Al McLane. Entombment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery after Mass. Pallbearers will be Christopher Albert Ornelas, Christopher Ornelas Junior, Michael Young, Anthony Ornelas, Richard Ornelas Junior, Julius Tachias, and Carlos Ornelas. Friends and family are invited to the reception for Katie at the Shrine of St Bernadette Parish Hall after entombment. Should Friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to The Shrine of St. Bernadette.