Fernando Varela Gonzales

Fernando Varela Gonzales, 91, of Flora Vista, New Mexico, passed away on October 14, 2024, in Farmington, New Mexico. Fernando was born on April 10, 1933, in Metcalf, Arizona to parents Jesus Gonzales and Jesusita Varela Gonzales.

Fernando Varela Gonzales went to be with our Lord & Savior, his beloved wife Raquel Montaya Gonzales and their babies Mary and Ruth on October 14, 2024. His son Fernando Buddy Gonzales was by his side as he departed. Fernando was born April 10, 1933, in Metcalf, Arizona to Jesus and Jesusita Gonzales one of seven children. 

Fernando attended Morenci High School until August 21, 1951, when he left to join the US Navy during the Korea war. He was aboard the destroyer USS John A Bole 755 which saw combat service on east and west coasts of North Korea. Fernando returned to Morenci after his service. Fernando always looked back on his time in the Navy fondly as he not only learned the trade of welder but of his friendships which lasted 73 years. 

On November 24, 1955, he married Raquel Montoya and on January 29, 1957, the couple was blessed with a daughter, JoAnn. They lived in Clifton until 1957 then moved to Phoenix, Arizona. After the loss of her baby daughters Mary and Ruth on December 8, 1958, the couple welcomed their son Fernando Buddy Gonzales on March 6, 1960. Fernando would continue his work as a welder and later subcontracting all over the Valley of the Sun building dairies. Fernando took pride in his work and the reputation he earned with the various dairy owners. Then an opportunity to join Arizona Public Service, APS came up and that later lead Fernando to Four Corners Power plant. On October 1975 Raquel, Fernando and Buddy moved to Flora Vista, New Mexico while JoAnn remained in Tempe, Arizona attending Arizona State University. 

Fernando loved his new job and his crew members. He also enjoyed his horses, hunting, welding and fabrication, traveling and spending time with his family. Upon retiring from APS Fernando and Raquel would travel the country. Trips included Hawaii and twice to Europe visiting Spain and Portugal. Stateside travel consisted of visits to San Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix, New Orleans, Nashville, New York, Dallas, and San Antonio. They would also attend Naval reunions for his ship the USS John A Bole 755 in various cities. Fernando and Raquel enjoyed their lifetime friendships built when attending these reunions, but most of all Fernando enjoyed the company of his wife and best friend Raquel. Their 68-year marriage was Fernando’s most precious accomplishment only matched by their children. 

Fernando was preceded in death by his wife and best friend Raquel, their two babies Mary and Ruth, sisters Vicenta Castaneda, Erlinda Murrietta, Natalia Gonzales and brothers Gabriel Gonzales and Frank “Pancho” Gonzales. Fernando is survived by daughter JoAnn Greenfield (Michael) and son Fernando Buddy Gonzales (Esther). 

Rosary and Mass for both Fernando and Raquel will be on October 18, 2024, at 9:30 am at Sacred Heart Church in Farmington, New Mexico. Gravesite blessing at Saint Francis Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday October 31, 2024, at 11:00 am where they will be together forever.