Manuel Ramirez Gonzales, 88, peacefully entered eternal rest on October 1, 2016 surrounded by loved ones in his Morenci home.
Manuel was born in McNeal, AZ on September 12, 1928 to Juan and Felipa Gonzales. He was the eldest of 12 children.
In 1946 at the age of 18, Manuel met the love of his life, Angelita “Hila” Lopez, at a baseball game in Lordsburg, NM. Two years later, she became his wife on September 18, 1948. Manuel and Hila made their loving life together in Morenci, AZ. It was there that they joyously welcomed their 4 children; Lory, Miguel, Lucy and David.
Manuel put in 42 hardworking years with Phelps Dodge before retiring in 1990. He then went on to drive for Kempton’s Chevrolet for the next 17 years. Manuel was incredibly well known and respected in his community. He was an honest, hard-working man who always gave a hand to anyone in need. Manuel loved and supported his family unconditionally. He was the solid foundation that his family was built on. He will be missed each day that passes.
Manuel is survived by his four children; Lory, Miguel, Lucy, and David (Sabrina); two grandchildren who he proudly helped raise as his own daughter and son, Danielle (Michael) and Manny; his grandchildren Celina (Mike), Dennis (Andrea), Brandy (Tony), Mikey, Lisa (Art), Darienne, Taylor, CJ, and Elyse; 15 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; brothers Leo Gonzales, Luis Gonzales, and Juan Gonzales; sisters Maria Elena Fowler and Carolina Cervantez and numerous nieces and nephews.
Manuel is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Felipa Gonzales; his beloved wife Hila Gonzales; brother Tony Gonzales; sisters Rufina Lopez, Connie Huerta, Maria Cornejo; daughter-in-law Darlene Gonzales; and many nieces and nephews whom he deeply treasured.
A viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Rosary at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Holy Cross Parish in Morenci, AZ. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Morenci, AZ.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
