Aurora M. Moncada
Gloria Moncada had an extensive family who loved her greatly and appreciated all the joy she brought to their lives.
Aurora “Gloria” M. Moncada, 92, long-time Moses Lake resident, passed away Jan. 10, 2024.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 19, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, with Fr. Edwin Lozada officiating. Rosary at 10 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Pioneer Memorial Gardens in Moses Lake. After the burial, a luncheon and gathering will follow at the Fatima Center (formerly the CCD Center).
Gloria was born Dec. 18, 1931, in Crystal City, Texas, to Teodoro G. and Luz M. Maldonado. She met and married Ramon O. Moncada in 1944 and they raised 13 children together. The family were migrant farm workers traveling from state to state working in various agricultural fields. Gloria worked alongside her husband and children. In 1971, they moved to Moses Lake, making it their permanent home and in the '80s worked for Samaritan Hospital.
Gloria was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church helping in the kitchen during many festivities. She especially loved celebrating Easter as the family tradition was making cascarones, confetti eggs, making sure every person got hit by at least one egg! She was a great cook making fresh flour tortillas, tamales, mole, and more for the ever-growing family. She was a fervent prayer of the rosary, reciting decades for family members and friends. Gloria also enjoyed playing the slot machines at casinos.
Gloria is preceded in death by her husband, Ramon, son Gilberto (Terri) and daughter Mary Lou (George); grandsons Gus Jr., John John and granddaughters Erica, Kaylinda, Nina Margarita, Isabella; sisters Toni Koschmeder, Dolores Hernandez, and brother Rutillo Maldonado.
She is survived by children: Juan Ramon (Berta), Luis (Martha), Richard (Terri), Jerry (Mary), Gustavo, Beatrice (James), Noelia (Kyle), Rosa, Yvonne (Manuel), Linda (Travis) and Ted (Tina). She also leaves behind 47 grandchildren, 106 great-grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren with an additional two great-grandchildren due soon. Many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Gloria will be greatly missed by all who knew her and especially her youngest sister Herminia Montemayor.