Frances Ann (Lucero) Gonzales

A celebration of Frances' life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11am at the University Baptist Church, 1012 W 15th St, Portales, NM 88130, with Pastor Steve Smith officiating. Eugene Salaz, Chris Lucero, Jimmy Velletta and Matthew Velletta will serve as honorary pallbearers. A reception will follow at the church fellowship hall.

Frances Gonzales, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away at home surrounded by her family on April 7, 2024, at the age of 74. She was born on October 19, 1949, in Clovis, NM, to Julia and Charley Lucero. She married her high school sweetheart, John Gonzales, on November 26, 1966.

They lived in Portales where they made their family home and where she enjoyed raising her four children. She retired from the Golden Library at Eastern New Mexico University in 2016. After her retirement she enjoyed volunteering at the local veterinary. Frances was a remarkable woman known for her kindness, listening ear, and counsel to many ENMU students and unwavering love for her family and friends. Throughout her life, she touched the hearts of all who knew her with her gentle spirit, compassionate nature, and abundant faith. 

Frances was deeply devoted to her family, cherishing every moment spent with her husband of 57 years, John, and their children, Melissa, Johnny, Crystal and DeAnna. She found immense joy in being a grandmother to her four grandchildren, and six great grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure.

In addition to her dedication to her family, Frances was known for her passion for reading, crocheting, traveling, camping, dancing, and watching movies. Her baking skills were renowned among her loved ones, who eagerly awaited her delicious pineapple cake.

Frances will be remembered fondly for her beautiful smile, her infectious laughter, and her unconditional love. She would always be there whenever she was needed and many could count on her as their best friend and someone that was always available to talk to.  Though she may no longer be with us, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.  

Frances is preceded in death by her parents, Julia and Charley Lucero, and brother, Jake Lucero.

She is survived by her husband John Gonzales; brothers, Benny Lucero (Beatrice), Jimmy Lucero (Mary), Henry Lucero (Elvia), and Charles Lucero (Christy); sisters Betty Salaz (Geno), Sadie Lucero (Bobby), and Margaret Urioste; four children, Melissa Velletta (Jim), Johnny Gonzales (Beverly), Crystal Gonzales, and DeAnna Gonzales; four grandchildren Jimmy Velletta (Ashley), Julia Velletta (Cash), Matthew Velletta (Johanna), and Allexandra Gonzales; six great grandchildren Maci, Sirr, Ashley, Anthony, Jiovani, and River; numerous cousins and many nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Lisa.

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