Bertha was born on September 9, 1937, to Jose and Jesusita Castillo in San Angelo, Texas. Growing up her loving family would split their time between San Angelo & Saltillo, Mexico. It was there she would share beautiful memories of being with her tight-knit family and the love they shared for each other and the Mexican culture.
On August 3, 1963, Bertha married the love of her life Eugenio Gonzales. Together they would create a loving family of their own. Their children, Graciela, Elisa, Ines Cano, Ines Gene, and Eugene Jr. were her pride and joy. Her greater joy was her four grandchildren, Andres Sr., Monica, Alfredo Jr. and Gabriella. Her greatest joy was being a Grandma Lala to her 5 great grandchildren, Illiana, Andres Jr., Karina, Mylena, and Robert Jr. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Bertha raised her family to be very faithful, she led by example. She was a devout Catholic and active member of St Mary’s Catholic Church. She was a Madrina to countless children in her community. Eugenio and Bertha’s Ministries included: San Francisco prayer group, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, administered Baptismal and Marriage Encounter Classes and they fulfilled their duties at the San Angelo Catholic Diocese Adoration Chapel for 15 years.
Bertha also instilled a very strong work ethic in her children. She worked at Ethicon for over 30 years, she was sad to retire in 2005. It was there she created lifelong friendships. Bertha never met a stranger; she was a friend to all. Once you became her friend, she considered you family.
Bertha loved celebrating with her extended family, catching up on the phone with her sisters and cooking for the ones she loved. It was in the kitchen that she would share her greatest past time of all… Dancing. She would give dance lessons with the broom while the guiso, rice and beans were simmering on the stove. But watching Bertha and Eugenio on the dance floor was where you could truly see her light up and the love they shared. She also loved cheering at any sports event, didn’t matter if it was her beloved cowboys, Mexican Futbol, Boxing, Bobcat football, or her great grandchildren playing on the field she had the same amount of enthusiasm. Her absolute favorite team was anything her son Gene was coaching. Bertha was so proud of him and his students. She would pray for their test scores and the scores on the field. The only thing Bertha was more excited to do was marathon Shopping with her daughters Gracie and Elisa, starting at Dillard’s finding their way to Ross. She loved to find a good deal, she’d walk in and be best friends with the attendants working. After retirement Bertha spent her days taking care of her great grandchildren. Grandma Lala would never miss a school function, concert or volleyball, softball or football game. You could often see her with her three-generation family surrounding her on any given day.
Bertha is survived by her daughters Graciela Gonzales of San Angelo and Elisa Falter husband Alfredo of Ft. Worth, Tx. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Andrew Flores, wife Jessica , Monica Navarro husband Robert, Alfredo Falter Jr., Gabriella Falter, and Marissa Falter along with her great grandchildren Illiana Flores, Andres Flores, Karina Munoz, Mylena Navarro, Roberto Eugenio Navarro, and Maelani Falter. She is also survived by her brother John Castillo wife Consuelo, and sisters Maria Luisa Valles husband Paul, and Rosa Bautista. Left to cherish her memories are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Bertha is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years Eugenio, her sons Ines Cano, Ines Gene, and Hijo de Mi Vida, Gene Gonzales. Also preceded by her parents, her sisters Josie Casillas, husband Julian, Elaine Camarena and brother Joe Castillo.
The Gonzales Family would like to thank Quality Caring Hands In-home care, her caretaker Marcy, Andrea and all the lovely staff who helped keep Mrs. Bertha happy and comfortable. Also, would like to thank Concho Hearts Hospice staff, Rene, Nicole and Alba. A special thank you to Bertha’s Senior Companion Ms. Elma Garcia. With the most heartfelt gratitude the family would like to thank her daughters Elisa and Gracie for supporting and making decisions for our grandma in her final years, our deepest appreciation to Graciela for keeping her in your home, tending to her everyday needs, and caring for her till her very last breath. The Gonzales’ would also like to thank the Flores, Tiedemann, and Navarro Families for your love and support behind the scenes, especially her niece Elaine Tiedemann.
A special thank you to Alfredo Falter, Sr., Jessica Flores, and Robert Navarro for their unconditional support through the past few years.
A heavenly thank you from Eugene to Monica Navarro for making Lala’s care a priority in your everyday life.
Rosary Service will be held Wednesday February 8th at 6:30 p.m. at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral Mass will be officiated by Fr. Joey Faylona 10 a.m. Thursday February 9th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 11 West Avenue N. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
