May 7, 1942 - March 24, 2025 Maria Helena Almodova Gonzales, 82, passed away at her home in Stockton, CA on March 24, surrounded by her loving family.

ShewasborntoAlbertoL.Almodova and Cornelia Sanchez onMay7,1942inAlpine,TX.

She became a bornagain Christian baptized in the name of Jesus Christ on May 9, 1986. A faithful servant of the Lord, Maria believed deeply in the power of spreading the word of Jesus Christ. She spent countless hours volunteering in various ministries, always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a word of encouragement, or provide support to those in need.

She was employed by Fort Stockton Independent School District where she worked as a bus driver for 30 years. She was also employed by the Chamber of Commerce/Historical Society/ City of Fort Stockton for many years providing tours and information to tourists in Historic Fort Stockton.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ramon Gonzales, her parents, her brothers, Alberto Almodova Jr., Daniel Almodova and Ubaldo Luna, her sisters, Senaida Munoz and Delia Ramirez.

She is survived by her sister, Crestina Sanchez of Seagoville, TX. Her daughters, Manuela Arevalo of Stockton, CA and Blanca Padilla (Mark) of Alpine, TX. Her sons, Adan Leija (Mary) and Raynaldo Ramirez, both of Stockton, CA. Her grandchildren, Benjamin Rodriguez (Valerie), Adriana Avila-Ferreira (Lester) of Stockton, CA, Sonya Flores, of El Paso, TX, Robby Flores (Monica) of Alpine, TX, Jessica Sullivan (Brian) of Rockwall, TX, Liana Leija of Stockton, CA and Branden Ramirez of Las Vegas, NV.

Her great-grandchildren, Mariah Champion (Michael), Audrena Ferreira, Madelyn Ferreira, Leilanie Romero-Heald all of Stockton, CA. Robert Flores of Alpine, TX and Teagan Sullivan of Rockwall, TX. She also had numerous nieces and nephews that she loved deeply.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on April 14, at 10 a.m. at Cherokee Memorial-Vineyard Chapel, 14165 N. Beckman Rd., Lodi, CA.

A burial will be held Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fort Stockton, Texas