Elia Gomez

Elia N. Gomez, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away at home on December 7, 2021 in Hagerman, NM at the age of 88.

Elia was the fifth of six siblings born to Facundo and Carolina Nunez in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Elia graduated from Artesia High School and attended New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM.

Elia married Fermin M. (Sonny) Gomez on November 14, 1960. They met while she was working for the dealership in Artesia where Sonny came to purchase his brand new 1955 Red Ford Thunderbird car and she caught his eye as the prettiest girl in Artesia. That car is still in the carport with such wonderful memories. They raised two daughters and successfully ran what was affectionately known as "The Hagerman Country Club" aka El Gomez Club. She looked forward to Monday night dinners with her family. Mom took great pride in her appearance and her family. She was known for her decorum and would set beautiful tables, cook delicious meals and prepare the best baked goods all while looking so elegant.

Her favorite past time was travelling with her three sisters all over the world. They visited several cities in fifteen countries across four continents. We couldn't wait for her to get home to tell us stories about what humorous things happened on their trip. When those three girls got together, they so enjoyed each other's company. Mom often said of those travels "it was just a bunch of old ladies carrying luggage" whether flying on a plane, cruising on a ship or traveling on a bus protected by armed guards crossing a border in the Middle East. Mom was loving in nature and had great faith and a wonderful sense of humor.

Elia was a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Hagerman, a member of L.U.L.A.C. and volunteered at Loaves and Fishes in Hagerman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny, mother Carolina, father Facundo, sister Eleanor Bryant, brother Abel Nunez and Adolfo Nunez.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sister, Elida Nunez of Santa Fe, brother Alfredo Nunez and wife Minnie of Wilmington, California, daughters Luana Harrell and husband Gary of Roswell and Sonia Gomez of Hagerman, sister-in-law Christina Nunez, four grandchildren Justin Gray and wife Stacie of Roswell, Melana Boyd and husband Jason of Conifer, Colorado, Nathan Gray and wife Emily of Albuquerque, Valerian Gomez of Murrieta California, eleven great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Special thanks to Nohemi Castro for her tender love and care.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Justin Gray, Nathan Gray, Valerian Gomez, Martin Bryant, Mark Reid and Mario Reid.

Rosary and Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1111 North Roselawn on Tuesday, December 14th, 2021 at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Twin Oaks Memorial Park on the Lake Arthur Highway (State Road 2).

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hagerman Joy Center, 503 East Argyle, Hagerman, NM or the charity of your choice. Masks will be required to attend service. The family looks forward to seeing all of Elia's and the family's friends and relatives.