Rosie Gonzales

Rosalla "Rosie" Maria Gonzales was called home to our Lord on Sept.16, 2008. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends at Banner Thunderbird Hospital in Arizona. Rosie was born Feb. 19, 1931 in Cimarron, N. M., to Maria Armijo and Frutoso Montoya. She was raised in Cimarron by her father, Abel Jose Sanchez and mother, Catalina Blea. Rosie enjoyed spending time and long conversations with her family and friends. She loved to travel between Arizona and Colorado. Crocheting and doll collecting were two of her favorite hobbies. She was a homemaker, friend, loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and great great-grandmother. Up until 2006, she worked as a caregiver in Sun City, Ariz., and for many years was a companion to Shirley Brodsky, who became her closest friend and preceded her in death. Bill Brodsky, son of Shirley Brodsky and family became part of her extended family. Rosie had many health problems through the years and continued to enjoy her life despite her many illnesses. She battled breast cancer, heart problems, diabetes and other illnesses. She believed in hard work, the love of her family and enjoyed life until she was called home to the Lord. Rosie is survived by her husband, Fidel Gonzales and his children. She is also survived by her brother, Joe Armijo, wife Bennie of Fort Collins and first husband, Serapio Baca of Fort Collins. Together, Rosie and Serapio raised 13 children, Serapio "JR" Baca of Fort Collins, Raymond Baca Carol of Peoria, Ariz., Patricia Reyna of Peoria, Ariz., Virginia Baca-Devens Lou of Fort Collins, Susan Steshyn Tom of Fort Collins, Diana Baca-Ragin Herman of Fort Collins, Marianne Morales Marty of Henderson, David Baca of Fort Collins, Edward Baca of Fort Collins, Christina Baca of Phoenix, Ariz., and Nancy Baca of Fort Collins. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; eight brothers; three sisters; her son, Johnny Sanchez; and daughter, Dorothy Baca. A private family viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 22, 2008 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St. Ft. Collins. A Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22 2008 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 West Olive Street, Fort Collins. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept 23, 2008 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 326 N. Whitcomb Street, Fort Collins. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery immediately following. Contributions may be made to the Rosie Maria Gonzales Memorial fund in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.