Raymond Wilbert Gonzales, of La Mesilla, New Mexico, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 10, 2026. He was born on May 20, 1948, in Ojo Caliente, New Mexico.

Raymond will be remembered as a family-oriented, loving, and caring man whose life was shaped by service, education, music, and deep devotion to those he loved. He was an elementary school teacher for many years and also served as a counselor for the Española School District and Ohkay Owingeh. In every part of his work, he was an educator at heart, and he took great pride in the lives he touched. Even in everyday moments, he was often recognized by former students and colleagues, and he always welcomed them with a friendly chat.

Education was one of Raymond’s great sources of pride. He earned a master’s degree and attended Highlands University, UNM, and Santa Fe College. He valued learning deeply and carried that commitment throughout his life. He also loved sports from a young age, especially baseball and basketball, and played both when he was younger. That lifelong enjoyment never faded, and in his later years he continued to enjoy watching sports along with television game shows.

Music was another enduring part of Raymond’s life. He played guitar and sang in bands including The Heartbreakers and Tradicion. He loved Spanish and Northern New Mexican music and especially enjoyed listening to 89.1. His favorite singer was Elvis Presley, whose music remained close to his heart.

Raymond also found happiness in simple pleasures and familiar traditions. He loved to fish at the lake, especially at Picuris Pueblo, and also enjoyed fishing at Hopewell Lake. While camping was never truly his favorite pastime, he would still join his wife on trips to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, creating memories that his family will always cherish. He especially enjoyed attending state basketball tournaments at The Pit in Albuquerque, often followed by meals at favorite all-you-can-eat restaurants such as Golden Corral or Furr’s Cafeteria.

He carried himself with a distinctive sense of style and pride. Raymond always dressed to impress, favoring slacks and a sharp old-school look. He was also a devoted son who shared a close and loving bond with his mother, Rose, and cared for her with exceptional dedication. His Catholic faith was an important part of his life, and he attended Santa Cruz De La Cañada Church in Santa Cruz, New Mexico.

Above all, Raymond was most proud of his children and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy Gonzales; his daughter, Tina Martinez (Matthew); and his sons, Santiago Gonzales, Andres Gonzales (Tracy), and Marcos Gonzales. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Miquaela Martinez-Vigil (Robert); Dominique Martinez-Sanchez (Matthew) Israel Gonzales; Iliana Gonzales; and Tiffany Gonzales; as well as his great-grandchildren, Maliyah and Dante Martinez-Vigil. He is also survived by his nieces, Janice Romero and Monica, along with many loved ones who will continue to carry his memory forward with affection and gratitude.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Gonzales; his uncles, Rafael Vigil and Fred Romero; his aunt, Guadalupe Romero; and his baby brother, Baby Gonzales.

A Rosary will be held on September 22, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 S McCurdy Rd, Santa Cruz, NM 87567. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery on El Llano Road, Santa Cruz, NM 87567.

Serving as pallbearers will be Santiago Gonzales, Marcos Gonzales, Miquaela Martinez-Vigil, Mario Herrera, Israel Gonzales, and Tomas Herrera.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Lorenzo Herrera, Dominique Martinez-Sanchez, Iliana Gonzales, Tiffany Gonzales, Maliyah Martinez-Vigil, and Dante Martinez-Vigil

Raymond Wilbert Gonzales will be remembered for his kindness, his dedication as a teacher and counselor, his love of music and sports, and the pride he took in his family. His life leaves a lasting impression on all who knew him.

The family extends special thanks to the professionals of Anvoi Hospice, especially Mariah and Claudette, for their gentle care of Raymond and for the support they gave to his family.

The family of Raymond W. Gonzales have entrusted the caring professionals at Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola to support them during this time. Our heartfelt condolences to all.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3 NIV)