She met her future husband in Premont, Texas while visiting her married sister, his mother's neighbor, during his leave from Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS, where they were married March 10, 1955 at St. Theresa Catholic Church. She supported her husband throughout his military career, residing in Keesler AFB, Mississippi, Long Island, New York, Amarillo AFB, Texas, Ramstein AFB, Germany, and George AFB, California. They settled in Central Texas during Rene's multiple careers as television newscaster, purchasing agent, and business manager for St. Mary Catholic Church, Wimberley, Texas, where they eventually retired.
Amparo gave of herself completely and without reservation to all she knew, and was a daily participant in the activities and ministries of Summer Mountain Ranch and St. Mary Parish.
A nature and animal lover as well as a devoted gardener, she respected and glorified Earth with gentle care. Each Spring she patiently waited for the first Purple Martin scout, the return of her beloved hummers and the trilling of whooping cranes migrating directly over her home.. Besides the happiness and safety of her spouse and children, these were her greatest joy. Like her husband, Rene, she was deeply loved by neighbors, friends and family, and returned their love freely.
Rene and she purchased 10 acres in Summer Mountain Ranch subdivision in 1993, before roads were established, accessing the property by a nature trail. They built their retirement home, a “little bit of heaven,” in 1995.
She used a gentle touch to become an unforgettable and irreplaceable part of the community.
Amparo is preceded in death by her father and mother, Mateo and Carlota (Lopez) Valadez, sister Aminta and brother-in-law Lamar Hinojosa and her husband, SMSGT Fulgencio Rene Gonzalez, USAF (Ret), and grandchild Andi Sinclair Gonzalez.
She is survived by her sister, Alma Valadez of Alice, Texas; son, Antonio Rene (Tony) Gonzalez and Linde; son Eduardo Xavier (Ed) Gonzalez and Jenny; daughter, Marcella Gonzalez Jones and Gordon; son Robert Laurence Gonzalez and Monica. Grandchildren, Duncan Tucker Gonzalez, Robert Christian Gonzalez, Jesse Manet Gonzalez and Isabelle Christina Gonzalez, Ashley (Devenney) Gunnels, Taylor (Bonenberger) Duncan, and Reilly Bonenberger, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Amparo’s name to her favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, St. Mary Catholic Church in Wimberley, Texas, San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter and the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Archdiocese of Austin, Texas.
