Louis Ochoa Gonzales

Louis Ochoa Gonzales, 93, of Arlington Texas, loving father and friend, entered-into eternal rest on June 3rd, 2020. Louis was born in Atoka, NM on March 26th, 1927. As a child, he grew up on a farm with his parents Margarito and Antonia and seven siblings; Angelita (Angie), Amelia, Rebecca, Edelmira (Wera), Margaret, Isauro (Sonny) and Mary.

Private First Class Louis Ochoa Gonzales was drafted into the United States Army, on May 29, 1945. He graduated Basic Training as in Infantryman on October 13, 1945 and in arrived in Europe on May 29, 1945. PFC Gonzales served, in the 3677th Disciplinary Training Company, as a Guard Patrolman, in Aversa, Italy, with the Occupational Forces in World War II. Private Gonzales’ responsibilities included the American Stockade and Axis General Officer Prisoners of War. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal.

After his return home, following the war, Louis worked for the Hart Motor Company in Artesia, NM. He married his wife of 69 years, Ruth Beatrice Juarez, on May 20th, 1950. They moved to Roswell, NM briefly and then to El Paso, TX in 1960 where he worked in Civil Service as a Vehicle Equipment Repair Inspector for the Department of the Army. They had five children, Evelyn, Ernest, Grace, Louis Juarez and Samuel.

Louis had a life-long history of service to God, family, country and community. He helped to establish the first Spanish United Methodist Church in Artesia, NM and his name was inscribed on the cornerstone plate of the building. He was a trustee of Tobin Park United Methodist Church in El Paso. Louis was a member of the Saint Andrews United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX for 17 years and transferred to First United Methodist of Mansfield for the remainder of his life. Louis served with the United Methodist Men and alongside Ruth in Missions. After moving to Arlington, TX he served in the auxiliary of Medical Center of Arlington as a Volunteer and in the outpatient surgery center and runner room for 17 years. Louis displayed a “Servant’s Heart” in everything he did and was never shy of lending anyone a helping hand. He was always active in his Church and Community; a humble and compassionate friend, loved by all.

Dad’s smile, his sense of humor and his positive outlook on life made a difference in everyone’s life he touched. He will be missed.

Louis is survived by his sisters Angelita (Angie) Alvarado of Artesia, New Mexico and Mary Madrid of Espanola, New Mexico; his eldest son Ernest J. Gonzales and wife Sue of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his daughter Grace A. Bermingham and husband Mark of Arlington, Texas; son Louis Juarez Gonzales of Arlington, Texas; and Samuel J. Gonzales of Los Angeles, California. He has 12 grandchildren, Amy Turney of Farmington, New Mexico; Charles A. Gonzales of Aztec, New Mexico; Casey M. Krill of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Henry P. Gonzales and wife Bridget of Bayfield, Colorado; Dana Lee Harris and husband Jon, of Westminster, Colorado; Barbara R. Krill of Denver, Colorado; Logan J. Davis and wife Nikki of Tucson, Arizona; Ashley E. Bermingham of Arlington, Texas; William E. Bermingham of Arlington, Texas, Amanda N. Stockham and husband, Braden of Los Angeles, California; Steven L. Gonzales of Portland, Oregon; Ryan L. Gonzales and wife Kendall of Albuquerque, New Mexico; ten great grandchildren, Anthony, Klarissa, Violet, Rachel, Kruz, Kozell, Lowen, Lehric, Jonathan and Tessa. He was proceeded in death by his wife Ruth J. Gonzales, his daughter Evelyn, his parents and five of his siblings.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to his longtime caregiver, Michelle McJilton for loving and caring for him and his wife Ruth for so many years. We would also like to thank Care of Excellence Home Health and Elara Caring (Mission Hospice) for the love and care they provided to dad and our whole family.

A private family graveside service will be held later this year at Twin Oaks Memorial Park in Artesia, New Mexico.

“Tomorrow will be a better day and everything will be alright.”

-Louis O. Gonzales