City Commemorates First Lady Lee Gonzales

COLTON>> Lee M. Gonzales of Colton, California, passed away on Oct. 26, 2016 at Redlands Community Hospital. She was born on January 17, 1939, in Colton to Yjinio and Margarita Ramos. She is preceded in death by her son, Frank Gonzales, Jr. and is survived by her husband, Frank Gonzales; their children, Cynthia Ramirez, Richard Gonzales and Laura Henderson; her sisters, Josie Aguirre, Sara Estrada and Jennie Burns; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Lee was married for 61 years to Gonzales, who served nine terms of office including six terms as the Mayor of Colton, a combined 26 years of service. Lee was the longest reigning First Lady of the City of Colton. Lee was also involved as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Assistant Leader, PTA representative and teacher's aide. Rosery and Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1106 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton Thursday, Nov. 3 and the burial followed at Hermosa Memorial Gardens in Colton. Ramirez gave the eulogy on behalf of the family during the service. Ramirez shared the love she has for her mother and said she was a beautiful woman from the inside out, everyday to everybody. "Her selflessness was just beyond belief," Ramirez said. "Her joy in life was to make other people happy." Ramirez said it was nice to see the sea of people at the services and to hear the stories of how her mother made an impact on the lives of others. Ramirez said her mother stood by her father as he served the public and said she did her part in service, as well. "She served with dignity and grace and did her part in the community as the First Lady of the City of Colton," Ramirez said. "As a mother, your first job is to raise your family well and she raised a family of professionals and we have all given back to the community. Mom always felt dad was put on the earth to serve the community and he did that well and she was so proud of him. She always taught us that it was God first, family and community and (we have) carried that on and give back the same." Current Colton Mayor Richard DeLaRosa, former Colton Mayor Sarah Zamora and former Colton Mayor Kelly Chastain were present at the services. A certificate of commendation was given to the family in her honor by the mayor and city council. It states, "We, the mayor and members of the Colton City Council, extend our sincere condolences to the Gonzales family upon the loss of the beloved Lee M. Gonzales, a devout wife and mother, a caring citizens and recognized as the longest standing 'First Lady' of the City of Colton. In commemoration of her lifetime achievements, as a businesswoman and the wife of former Mayor Frank A. Gonzales, we honor her memory and positive contributions to family, friends and the citizens of this community." Former Council Member Helen Ramos, members of the Oliva family, many city employees and former city employees were also in attendance along with many friends, family and people whose lives were influenced by Lee. After the burial, family and friends gathered at the Frank A. Gonzales Community Center for a reception held to honor and celebrate Lee’s life.