She was born in La Union, New Mexico, on January 28, 1927.
She was married to Manuel Medina for 36 years.
Julia was the matriarch of her family.
She had a passion for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her children, Vincent Gonzales and Alex Rivas, and her four brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her children Jesse Gonzales, Felice Arangure, Lawrence Gonzales, Theresa Rodriguez, Pat Gonzales, Manuel Rivas, Peter Rivas, Maria "Lupe" Rivas, and their spouses. She had 19 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren, all of whom she loved greatly
