Amelia G. Soto

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Amelia Gonzales Soto, age 87 of Austin, Texas was born January, 6th 1937. She transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home on December 29, 2024, knowing she was loved and that her family was beside her, holding her hand.

On October 16, 1956, Amelia joined in holy matrimony with Ruben Cristobal Soto. They were blessed with four children, Ruben Jr., Robert, Deborah and Yolanda. They celebrated 68 wedding anniversaries, their final one being in October of 2024.

Her first and foremost position in life was being a loving wife and mother. She was a consummate homemaker. From this job she never retired. Even when she physically could no longer create her delicious meals, bake a beautiful cake or sew a new outfit, she was still able to hand down her expertise, knowledge and wisdom to her daughters and daughters-in-law. She absolutely loved entertaining family and friends. Hosting tamale making get-togethers, large barbecue parties, celebrating holidays and so much more. She welcomed many into her home where love and laughter lived.

She had a heart of service and a love of caring for others. She, alongside her husband, Ruben, were foster parents for several years. She brought love and guidance into the lives of the children she fostered. She was a Volunteer Food Pantry Coordinator in Brackettville, Texas. She helped organize the day to day operations, completed purchase orders for needed goods and supplies, maintained inventory, kept records and did their bookkeeping. She volunteered her bookkeeping services to several churches throughout her life.

She worked for Meals on Wheels, Austin chapter, as their original bookkeeper at its inception in the 1970’s. She was a seamstress and bookkeeper. She owned and operated, A Slice of Heaven, where she created beautiful and delicious cakes. But most of all, she was her husband’s helpmeet. Pronounced, help-mate. Biblically, this is interpreted to be “ a helper suited to him, worthy of him, or corresponding to him.” This word personified Amelia. She was devoted to Rubens' causes and his businesses.

She adored all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. From the oldest to the youngest. She loved them all. She always missed when they were not with her and always asked when they were coming over again. She would say, “ I miss them, I want to see them.” it is fitting now that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss all the love and attention she gave them. She leaves a legacy of love for generations to come.

Amelia is preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Ruben Cristobal Soto, her father, Germinal (Herman) Gonzalez, and her mother Esther Gamboa Gonzalez.

Those left behind to honor her life and cherish her memory are, Ruben Soto Jr. and wife Mary Ann of Belton, Tx., Robert C. Soto and wife Clara of Pf[ugerville, Tx., Deborah Soto of Taylor, Tx., and Yolanda Soto Cree of Austin, Tx. Her grandchildren, Ruben J. Soto III and wife Tanea of Midlothian, Tx., Roger A. Soto and wife Ashley of Hutto, Tx., Alicia Soto Barker and husband Ross, Marisa Gomez and Michael Campos of Taylor, Tx., Christina Gomez of Taylor, Tx., John Cree and wife Kelly of Austin, Tx., Durran Cree Probst and husband Matt of Austin, Tx. Her Great-grandchildren; Julian Serrato and wife Heather of Chattanooga, TN., Michael, Danielle, Leah, Skyla, Ariah, Noah, Gideon, Galilea and Levi. Her Great-great grandchildren; Abigail, Lily, and Luke. Her brothers; Gonzalo Gonzalez and Benjamin Gonzalez. Her sisters; Mary Esther G Wray and Pauline Martinez.

A funeral service for Amelia will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Following the service, she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. After the interment, family and friends are invited to a reception to be held back at the funeral home.

Three years ago, close to her birthday, I asked mom what her favorite song was. My intention was to sing it to her for her upcoming birthday. She thought about it for a bit and responded, “This Little Light of Mine.” I was surprised. I did not expect it to be a simple children's song. Somewhat perplexed, I asked her why it was her favorite song. She answered, “Because I remember my grandmother singing it to me when I was a little girl. When I hear the song, it reminds me of my grandmother. I loved her so much and I miss her. It makes me happy cause I think of her and it makes me sad cause I miss her.”

THIS IS THE POWER OF LOVE! Mind you, my mom was in her 80’s when I asked her what her favorite song was. Mom was just a small child when her grandmother would sing this song. Even a simple children’s song can bring LOVE into a person's heart and mind to last a lifetime. Just like it did for Mom.

Thank you Mom for showing us your love and may your light continue to shine in all of us. ~ Debbie

This Little Light of Mine

To be sung at the service by Amelia’s Great Granddaughter, Galilea Campos

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.

Jesus is the light, I’m gonna let him shine.

Jesus is the light, I’m gonna let him shine.

Jesus is the light, I’m gonna let him shine.

Let him shine. Let him shine. Let him shine.

Jesus lives in me, I’m gonna let him shine.

Jesus lives in me, I’m gonna let him shine.

Jesus lives in me, I’m gonna let him shine.

Let him shine. Let him shine. Let him shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.

Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.