The matriarch of the Gonzales family, Beatrice (Zamora) Gonzales, died Saturday May 1. She was 88.
She began every day praying and reading the Bible. The love for her family was and will forever be remembered. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. All 17 of her children graduated from Wayland High School.
She is survived by her sister, Connie Zamora (Salt Lake City, Utah); and a legacy of love in her 17 children Janie, Ernie, Mary (Howard), Helen, Henri, Doris, Juan II (Melissa), Patricia, Mike (Dawn), Rose (Gary), Carmen (Glenn), Bill (Greta), Tina (Todd), Bobby, Anita, Missy (Aric), and Angie (Gabe); 37 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 60 years, Juan; parents Lucas and Concepcion Zamora, nine brothers and sisters; son-in-law, Tom; great-grandson, Austin; and granddaughter, Becky.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, May 7, at Wayland Christian Reformed Church, 303 E. Elm St., with visitation from noon to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service.
In memory of Beatrice and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.
My condolences to the family.