Shirley Virginia Gonzales

Shirley Virginia Gonzales, 78, died April 2, 2022, at her home in Temecula, California. She was born May 11, 1943, in Van Nuys, California, the daughter of Kenneth Albert and Ada Vera (Aikins) Bates. She grew up in Southern California and attended Big Bear High School. She married Jose Gonzales on February 10, 1966 in Berlin Germany. A military wife and mother, Shirley moved her growing family to many places including Germany, Washington, Colorado, Japan, Nebraska, Hawaii, and California. She and Jose moved to Fredericksburg, TX for several years after Jose’s retirement from the Air Force, and then moved to Temecula, CA where they lived with their son, Miguel and daughter-in-law, Linda and granddaughter, Sophia. Shirley earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and worked many years as a medical technologist at the VA Hospital until her retirement. Shirley was passionate about genealogy and keeping up on current events. She loved chocolate, sewing, throwing memorable parties, crafts, gardening, the beauty of wildflowers, and camping in the great outdoors. Shirley also enjoyed using her medical knowledge to relentlessly research any medical concerns affecting her family. She will always be remembered for her dedication to her family and friends. Shirley was of the Christian faith, and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Also, she was a member of: The Genealogical Society. Shirley is survived by her husband Jose Gonzales; five children: David(Karla) Gonzales of Ellinwood, KS, Pam(Ivan) Camacho of Hillsboro, OR, Tami Gonzales of Kerrville, TX, Stephen(Erica) Gonzales of Fredericksburg, TX and Miguel(Linda) Gonzales of Temecula, CA; grandchildren, Sarah Gonzales, Stephanie Gonzales, Rachel(Chase) Pumford, Sofia Deyanira, Gabriel Camacho, Marisol Camacho, Brittany(Alex) Hughes, Mikaela(Matthew) Raun and Sophia Gonzales; one brother James Bates and wife Judy of Carlsbad, CA; Several great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter, Kristin Hughes. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2022 at England Family Mortuary in Temecula, CA. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Shirley requested any memorials be sent to your charity of choice in honor of her life.