Esther Gonzales

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend returned to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2024 after her battle with ALS. She was 65 years old. Esther Gonzales was born on March 20th 1958, in Deming New Mexico, to her parents Manuel and Eva Nuñez. She grew up in Grants, New Mexico, where she attended Grants High School and graduated in 1976. She went on to attend Beauty School in Albuquerque, New Mexico and got her Cosmetologist’s License in 1979. 

Esther decided she would make her home in Arizona. She moved to Arizona around 1979. In 1988 she welcomed her precious son Ryan. Shortly after that time Esther decided to move to San Jose, Arizona to be close to her mother. In 1988 Esther met the love of her life Bobby with whom she would spend the rest of her life with. Even before their marriage in October of 1993, she took his 2 daughters, his son, and loved them as her very own. She loved with her whole heart and spent her whole life dedicating her life to taking care of her family, and anyone in need. 

In May of 1993, Esther proudly graduated from Eastern Arizona College with an Associates in Applied Science. Esther worked at various places in Safford, Arizona. One being Impressive Labels where she worked for many years. Her next career would be the one she enjoyed the most. She spent 21 years dedicating her life to help educate mothers and families, as a WIC Nutrition Specialist. She was always there helping in the WIC program, the Gleaning Program, the Graham County Wellness Program and School Programs. She loved public health, the mothers, the families and wanted the best for them. She was a true asset to Graham County, the Health Department, and the community. Her love for people moved her to get a part time job at Walmart. She worked there for 5 years. There she touched many lives by greeting people with her warm smile, and gentle and loving spirit. 

In her spare time she loved going to car shows with her husband, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Whenever she was at any of their events you could bet that she would be the loudest cheering in the crowd. 

Esther is survived by her husband Bobby Gonzales, Her son Ryan Gonzales (Taylor), her son Jr. Ramirez (Margaret), her daughter Karen Peru (Big Ed), and her daughter Roberta Koerber. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. 

Viewing will be at McDougal Caldwell Funeral Home in Safford from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Rosary will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Solomon starting at 10:00 a.m. and the Mass will start at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 15th, 2024.

Luncheon to follow at the American Legion in Solomon concluding services.