MONTE VISTA — Longtime valley resident John Benito Gonzales, 84, passed away June 26, 2019 in La Jara.  He was born on April 30, 1935 in Del Norte, to Agapito and Paz Gonzales.  John married Betty Josephine Rivera in 1960.  He was a self-employed trucker and could often be found hauling loads of wood or steel all over Colorado.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista.  John was a very loving man and he could light up a room with his presence.  He loved spending time with his family and bringing joy to the people around him.

John is survived by his children: Patricia (John) Schnurrenberger of Colorado Springs, William Montoya of Denver, Jeanette Gilmore of Arvada, Baldimar Gonzales of Monte Vista, Ben Gonzales of Denver, Myra Espinoza of Monte Vista, Pete (Annette) Gonzales of Monte Vista, Kathleen Gonzales of Monte Vista and Yvonne (Richard) Armijo of Denver as well as 25 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, his siblings, Felix Gonzales, Ernesto Gonzales, Helen Castillo, Vera Gonzales, Cecelia Gonzales, Rosa Lopez and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty Gonzales, his son Larry Montoya, his grandson Baldi Gonzales Jr. and his siblings, Juanita Gomez, Marina Maez, Emma Gomez, Tonia Gonzales, Celso Gonzales, Baldimar Gonzales, Charlie Gonzales and Robert Gonzales.

Cremation was selected, and a Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday July 2, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista.  A Vigil Service with recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday July 1, also at the church.  Contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Foundation and may be made in care of the funeral home office.  To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com. Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements.