Betty Jean Gomez

Betty Jean Gomez

August 21, 1931 – June 14, 2019

Betty Jean Gomez, 87, of Gallup, passed away into her Savior and Lord's arms on Friday, June 14, 2019, in Gallup surrounded by her family.  She was born August 21, 1931 in Gallup, NM to Nester Trujillo and Tomasita Bustamante.

Betty Jean is survived by her daughters Marilyn R. Gomez and Evelyn (Joe) Rangel; son Johnny (Gina) Gomez; 7 grandchildren, Kelly (Pat) Lucero, John (Ranida) Gomez, Christopher (Aaryn) Rangel, Analisa (Brandon) Rangel, Betty Jean (Matthew) Rue, Hanna Gomez, and Savanna Gomez; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband and best friend Edward “Eddie” J. Gomez.  Eddie and Betty Jean enjoyed 66 years of marriage together and each of those years were blessed with many cherished memories, travels and adventures.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters Ida Mae Strain and Genevive Gurule, and one brother Jackie Trujillo.

Betty Jean graduated from Cathedral High School, later she married the love of her life in 1952 and joined Eddie in California while he served in the United States Navy.

She worked for and retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs after serving for over 30 years.  As a youth, she worked for the Gallup Movie Theaters and later worked for Navajo Motors.  Once Eddie left PNM, the two of them ventured into the world of business where they took a risk and became very successful entrepreneurs.  Together they owned and operated the Indian Den Trading Company for over 50 years.

Betty Jean the matriarch of the family epitomized maternal love for her family.  She was not only nurturing; she understood the importance of example.  She was blunt, her sense of humor was unmatched, yet contagious.  She ensured that every holiday, vacation, Las Vegas experience or job show included her children and all who would tag along.  She was an example of work ethic and pride; committed to her marriage and being a mother.  Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always provided with what they needed and most often what they wanted.  She showered every one of us with LOVE.  A love that was genuine, helpful and pure.  As pure as Betty Jean.

Betty Jean will be missed by her family and all who knew her.  A Mass celebrating Betty Jean’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on June 28th at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 415 E. Green Ave, Gallup, NM.  A reception will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Gallup Howard Johnson by Wyndham located at 2915 W. Historic Hwy 66, Gallup, NM in the Grand Ballroom.

Betty Jean’s care is entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel of Gallup; 1830 Barbara Avenue, Gallup, NM 87301