Catherine Lucille Gonzales

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Gonzales; her parents, Esther and Jess Abeyta; her eldest brother, Sonny Abeyta; brothers Max and Ronnie Abeyta; and her youngest sister, Norma.

Catherine is survived by her daughter, Karen Murfett (Edward), and her son, Darren Gonzales (Sharoan), along with five grandchildren and their spouses, four great-grandsons, her eldest sister Shirley, youngest brother Mario, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Born in Trinidad, Colorado, Catherine was the fourth child and second daughter of seven children born to Esther and Jess Abeyta. Her siblings included Sonny, Shirley, Max, Kathy, Ronnie, Norma, and Mario. At an early age, she chose to spell her lifelong nickname “Kathy” with a K rather than a C, determined even then to establish her own unique identity.

She met and married the love of her life, Jim Gonzales, and together they built a life rooted in devotion and partnership. They first settled in Colorado Springs, where their daughter Karen was born, and later moved to Casper, Wyoming, where their son Darren was born. In 1965, they relocated to El Monte, California, where they raised their family and made their primary home for more than 50 years. In the early 1990s, Kathy and Jim purchased a second home in Temecula, California, joyfully splitting their time between El Monte and Temecula and creating cherished memories in both places.

While raising her children, Kathy held several jobs, but her most notable and impactful role was serving as the City Clerk of South El Monte. In this position, she dedicated countless long days—and many late nights—to public service, overseeing city records, elections, city council meetings, and the essential administrative functions that keep a city running. Her commitment, professionalism, and tireless work ethic defined her career until her retirement.

Above all, Kathy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and proud Broncos & Dodgers fan. She was outgoing, warm, and genuinely interested in people, able to strike up a conversation with anyone she met. She valued her lifelong friendships and professional relationships deeply and remained actively connected to her high school classmates, attending reunions well into her seventies.

Kathy will be forever missed by all who knew and loved her. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering and is now at peace—reunited in heaven with her beloved Jim and the many family members who went before her.

Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, service, and unforgettable spirit.

A funeral service will be held on February 13, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Rose Hills Memorial Park - Memorial Chapel, located at 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California, 90601.

Following the service, a reception will take place from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Rose Hills Memorial Park - GardenView Reception, also at 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California, 90601.

Catherine will be laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park in the Deseret Lawn section, Row 2, Lot 711, Space 2, accessible through Gate Number 1.