Barbara Emilia (Gonzales) Baca

Barbara Emilia (Gonzales) Baca was born on August 29, 1924 in Trinchera Plaza, CO and passed on March 11, 2018 in Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Retired Navy CWO Raymond Baca. They married at the Long Beach Navy base chapel in 1964. She is also preceded in her passing by her father, Paul and mother, Maria Justa Gonzales; sister, Pauline (Bob) Greenhow; brothers, Joe (Frances) Gonzales, Paul (Emily and Tina) Gonzales, Richard Gonzales; brothers-in-law, Carlos Cala; and sister, Ellen (Ron) Warrick.

Barbara was raised in Trinchera and Branson, CO. She graduated from Branson High School with honors. After high school she graduated from business school in Denver then immediately joined the WAACS Women's Army Air Corp. during WWII where she served for two years. She was stationed at various Army-Air Force bases ending up being stationed at the Pentagon from where she was discharged when WWII ended. Upon returning to Colorado, she completed her AA at Trinidad Junior College then moved to Denver where she worked at the Denver Social Services Department, then after on to Adams State College receiving her BA in elementary education. She taught in Branson, CO then in California where she retired and enjoyed retirement with her husband Ray. They enjoyed splitting their time between their home in Camp Nelson, CA (Sequoia National Park) and Albuquerque.

Barbara loved to work with crafts, crosswords, the casino, travel and being with family and friends. She was not only a family member she was also a friend. She loved life and life loved her.

She is survived by her sons, Paul Douglas Gonzales and Gene Baca and wife, Randa; grandchildren, Patty Baca and Kasey Baca-Winters; great-granddaughter, Harper; her sisters, Sally Cala and Vivian (Efren) Paz; brothers, Fred and John (Valerie) Gonzales; and sister-in-law, Patsy Gonzales. She loved her family very much; her nieces and nephews were always so special to her.

She will be missed.

Rosary will be recited Sunday, March 18, 2018, 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH – Wyoming. Friends may visit beginning at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 19, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at John XXIII Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr. NE. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.