Diana Gonzales

Diana Gonzales, 78, passed away peacefully at her home in Roswell, New Mexico on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with the Gonzales and Barela family at www.andersonbethany.com. Diana “Diamantina” was born to Joe D. and Praxedes “Peggy” Barela on January 19, 1945, in Roswell, New Mexico. She attended Roswell High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Benjamin Gonzales. They were married on August 17, 1963, at Saint John's Catholic Church in Roswell, New Mexico. At the age of 18, she became a beautician. During her career, she served as a New Mexico Cosmetology Association President, Vice President, Trustee, and an Ambassador for Wella Hair Color, participating in numerous hair shows across North America. After 60 years of working as a beautician, Diana retired from “From Hair On” at 78-years-old. Her love for the Lord and her family was evident in how she lived her life. She attended Church on the Move and Grace Community Church regularly and had formerly attended Living Waters Church, where she sang for many years on the praise team. Diana was involved in “Las Pacerettes”, as a singer; served as a Boy Scout Den Mother and was a joint founder of “Las Chismosas.” She was awarded as being the best Mom and Mamo in the world to many. Her favorite pastimes were cooking, hosting, decorating, shopping, and most importantly, spending time with family. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew her, and her spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be touched by her love. Those left to eternally treasure and cherish memories of Diana are her husband, Benjamin Gonzales; children: Inez Flores, Michael (Cindy) Gonzales, Candace (Bobby) Barela, and Israel Barela; grandchildren: Wesley (Erica) Flores Jr., Michael Flores, Gabriel (Felisa) Flores, Stephanie Gonzales, Samantha Gonzales, Raylynn Barela, Donivon Barela, Jenelle Barela, Ethan Barela, and Marysa Barela; nine great grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; siblings: Carlos “Charlie” (Terri) Barela, Elia Barela, and Joyce Barela; extended family: Lionel, Rae Lynn, Monica, Rebecca, Gilbert Joe Jr., Yolanda, Robert, Holly, Gabriel, Anna, and Elianna, the Gonzales family, Padilla family, Suarez family, Martinez family, Marquez family, Flores family, Dominquez family, Torrez family, Varela family, and Garcia family; God children: Robert Tynes, Nicole Neeld, Marcos Guzman, Ethan and Marysa Barela. Diana is preceded in death by her parents, Joe D. and Peggy Barela, brother, Gilbert J. Barela Sr., and godson, Adam Suarez. Diana’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Feroze, Dr. Bruce Andrews, Fresenius Kidney Care Center, Interim Health Services, Gentiva (Hospice), ENMMC and all of their staff that treated Diana with such care and kindness. They would also like to thank lifelong friends, the Montoya Family: Ernie and Rita; the Baiza Family: Dan and Nora; the Marrujo family: Leo and Lillian; and neighbors: Antonia and Delma for their many years of friendship and prayers. A memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church on Saturday, January 6, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Barry Anderson officiating. In honor of Diana, a Celebration of her Life will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Diana Gonzales

January 19, 1945 - December 28, 2023