Our beloved mother, Frances C. Gonzales, 88, resident of Lompoc, was called upon to be with our Lord on Friday, March 23, 2018.  She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.

Frances is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Carlos A. Gonzales, sons Arnulfo Gonzales, Willie Gonzales, David Gonzales; daughter Cathy Martinez, and granddaughter Michelle Jacinto.

Frances was born to Refugio and Eloisa Castillo on March 10, 1930, in Georgetown, Texas.  She was one of five children.  Her family moved to Lompoc in 1944.  Frances was a devout Catholic and lived her life serving the Lord.  She was truly a remarkable woman, and one of the greatest people you could ever meet.  She had a beautiful presence and her goodness was contagious.  She had a pure mind and heart, evident by her pleasant demeanor.  She was a strong, kind, and caring lady with a witty personality.

When she was young she often talked about wanting to be a nun.  That changed when she met her one and only love of 51 years, Carlos.  Together they had fifteen children and started an amazing life filled with faith, love, laughter, and happiness.  Frances is survived by her sons Ernie (Joanne), Carlos (Rita), Jesse, Freddy, and Benny (Annette) Gonzales; her daughters, Rebecca (Larry) Jacinto, Evelyn (Luis) Garcia, Carol Gutierrez, Maria (Luis) Benitez, Rosa (Jeff) Ray, and Frances (Oscar) Rojas.  She will be missed by her 38 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and loving brother Ramon Castillo.  Frances devoted her life to her family.  She raised her children in the church and taught them to put God above all else.  She prayed the Rosary every night and attended Sunday mass as often as her health permitted.  Her children and grandchildren never left her home without receiving a traditional Catholic blessing followed by a kiss on the forehead.  She gave so much love to her grandkids and each one held a special place in her big heart.

Frances enjoyed watching Angel's baseball, listening to music, and spending time with her grandchildren.  She looked forward to August because that meant watching the Little League World Series of which she never missed a game.  Up until the day she passed, she was able to enjoy her family and make them smile by her witty conversations.  She had close friends that were very dear to her.  She enjoyed every moment of her life and was truly blessed to have lived such a full and happy life.  She had much to be grateful and thankful for and her devout faith and love helped guide her to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  We thank Jesus every day for blessing us with such a virtuous matriarch.  She will be deeply missed.

The visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary from 4:00-8:00 pm, with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 pm.  Rev. Mike Sezzi will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at 12:00 noon at La Purisima Catholic Church.  Following the mass she will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.