GONZALES, Inez

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 02/28/2006 It is with great sadness that her family announces the passing of their beloved sister, "Auntie" and friend. Inez B. Gonzales died peacefully at Bannon Springs Ranch Assisted Living in Vernon, Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006. She will be forever held dear by her sisters, brother, cousin, nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces and her many friends. Inez was born Aug. 1, 1918 in Springerville to Jose Chavez Baca and Luz Bazan. She attended Springerville Elementary School and Round Valley High School. During World War II, the high school girls were given names of soldiers from the area to write to. "Auntie" was given Ramon's name. They corresponded all during the war and afterwards met, dated and married. Inez and Ramon were owners of the Spanish Inn Restaurant for 37 years. Their restaurant was well known throughout the area for its exceptional Mexican food. They retired from the restaurant business in 1980. "Auntie" and "Uncle" worked as volunteers at the Round Valley Senior Citizens Center from 1980-1995. Ramon and Inez were the first "King and Queen of Spectators" at Round Valley High School. For 25 years they attended every basketball and football game at home and away. When there was a game they closed the restaurant so they could go to the games and tournaments. Once a year they invited the teams for a meal at the restaurant. They did this for many years. Inez enjoyed word search puzzles, crocheting, quilting and fishing. She loved to go for firewood and she especially loved children and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ramon Gonzales and her nephew, Robert Silva. Her survivors include her sister, Lucy Silva and cousin, Fidencio Baca, whom she lived with for many years after her husband's death. She is also survived by a brother and four sisters from her father's second marriage, Bennie Baca, Anita Jojola, Charlotte Gomez, Mary Rochon and Cruz Baca. The family is extremely grateful to the staff at Little Colorado Behavioral Health, Bannon Springs Ranch Assisted Living and RTA Hospice for all their love, devotion and care during Inez's illness. Her family also wishes to acknowledge the Eucharistic Ministers who took care of Aunties' communion for several years and to Father Pat Universal. A Rosary was held Wednesday, Feb. 22 at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Springerville. A funeral mass was held Thursday, Feb. 23 also at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Springerville. Graveside services followed at the Springerville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Inez would have suggested donations be made to the St. Peter's Catholic Church Building Fund.