Helen L. Gonzales

Lifelong Ft. Garland resident Helen L. Gonzales passed away September 10, 2018 at the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Helen was welcomed into the world on December 15, 1930 in Ft. Garland, Colorado, the beloved daughter of Frank Lobato and Josephine Martinez Lobato. Helen was a remarkable woman and was a member of many organizations and committees. She belonged to the Ft. Garland Revitalization Committee, Friends of the Fort, Ft. Garland Scholarship Fund and Colorado Historical Society. Helen was a devoted and loving mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend who enjoyed gardening, reading, going for walks and was always known for being a social butterfly to all her family and friends.

Survivors include her daughter Ila Tafoya of Ft. Garland, the answer to Helen’s prayers Rey Gomez of Ft. Garland, CO; sisters Della Gallegos of Ft. Collins, CO; Sarah Parsons of Bellingham, WA; Patricia (Jim) Aragon of Lakewood, CO; Evelyn Lobato of Westminster, CO; Angela (Ron ) Salazar of Colorado Springs, CO. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Josephine Lobato, Husband Levi Gonzales, daughter Rita Cordova, sister Marie Trujillo and three brothers Ivan Lobato, Frank Lobato Jr., and Maggie Lobato.

Cremation was chosen. A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 10:30 AM at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Ft Garland. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. To leave online condolences please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of San Luis.