Guadalupe Celaya Gonzales

Guadalupe Celaya Gonzales, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully in Fort Stockton, Texas, on February 20, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on May 21, 1944, in Fort Stockton, she lived her life steeped in the traditions and values of her community.

The family will hold visitation services at Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend 301 N. Main Street in Fort Stockton on February 24, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on February 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. A Rosary will be led on February 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the same location. A Mass will be held on February 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 401 N. Main Street, followed by interment at Fort Stockton Catholic Cemetery at 11:00 AM.

Guadalupe dedicated many years to serving others through her work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at PCMH and later as a housekeeper and in the laundry department at the Fort Stockton nursing home. She also contributed to the community by working as an overnight stocker at Walmart. Her steadfast work ethic and dedication to her roles reflected her caring nature, as she always placed the needs of others before her own.

Education was a significant aspect of Guadalupe’s life. She attended school in Fort Stockton, ultimately obtaining her GED from Odessa College. This achievement paved the way for her unwavering commitment to learning and personal growth.Guadalupe was deeply rooted in her faith. She actively participated in religious events at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, demonstrating her devotion to her spirituality and the community around her. Her marriage to Epifanio Gonzales on November 23, 1957, was one of her proudest accomplishments, creating a lasting partnership that would bless their family for decades.

She is survived by her loving children: Frany Manzano, Gabriel (Mary) Gonzales, Epifanio Jr. (Amanda) Gonzales, Diane Duarte, Lucy (Victor) Leyva, Leo Gonzales, Eddie Gonzales, Billy (Asueena) Gonzales, Roylee (Heather) Gonzales, Loraine Gonzales, Ruben Gonzales, and Chris Gonzales, in addition to her cherished 34 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, who will continue to honor her legacy.

Guadalupe is preceded in death by her parents, Pedro and Margarita Celaya; her husband, Epifanio S. Gonzales; two sons, Lee Roy Gonzales and David Gonzales; and her siblings, Camilo Celaya, Gonzalo Celaya, Raymon Celaya, Lucas Celaya, Paz Celaya, Emilio Celaya, Juliana Escareno, Canuta Dominguez, and Petra Celaya.

Guadalupe Celaya Gonzales will be remembered for her unwavering love, dedication to her family, and the countless lives she touched throughout her life. Her spirit and kindness will continue to resonate within her family and the community both now and in the years to come. The Family of Guadalupe Gonzales wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Borra her oncologist, Home Heath and Hospice nurses Ling Sue, Carissa, Dedra, Krysha and Chaplain Michelle