Ignacio G. & Myra Ann Gonzales

Myra Ann Gonzales, 85, of Austin, TX, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2105, in Wadsworth, IL. She was born on January 4, 1930 in Amelia County, VA, the only daughter of Obrey and Lois Elizabeth (Morris) Barden. On November 8, 1956, Myra married Ignacio Garcia Gonzales. She is preceded by her parents and brothers, Everette Eugene and Montell Obrey.

Myra enjoyed, crocheting, cooking and traveling with her family. She was a very generous and young hearted person that possessed a never ending curiosity for life. Myra will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Myra worked various jobs throughout her life to help support her family, finally retiring from Abbott Laboratories and then IBM.

On December 31, 2015, Ignacio Garcia Gonzales, 82, of Austin, TX, followed his beloved Myra Ann Gonzales, to complete their journey that began almost 60 years ago. Born July 12, 1933, in Amarillo, TX, he was the eldest son of the late Bernardino and Joaquina Garcia Gonzalez. While stationed in Norfolk, VA, he met the love of his life on a blind date. Later, they wed on November 8, 1956. He is preceded in death by his parents and the following siblings: Monsignor Antonio Gonzalez, Maria Del Refugio Renteria and Dr. Rosa Gonzalez.

He was a loving father and husband and became friends with almost everyone he met. Ignacio (also referred to as Speedy, Nacho and John) enjoyed spending time with family, friends, traveling and bowling. Ignacio achieved many personal goals throughout his life, but the achievement that stood out the most was his ability to bowl a perfect (300) game on December 10, 1982, while a member of the Abbott bowling league. In the company newsletter he stated that, bowling a perfect game was "...better than Christmas, New Year's, my birthday ...all rolled together...it was an experience of a lifetime and one I'll treasure forever."

After 30 years of service, Ignacio retired from the US Navy, as Master Chief Petty Officer/E9. Following his Navy career, he worked at and retired from Abbott Laboratories.

Ignacio and Myra are survived by their children, Dr. Esperanza 'Hope' (Jay Green) Gonzales, JD, Ignacio Garcia, Jr. (Joanne) Gonzales and Edna Burgess (and her children Michelle and James). And he is also survived by the following siblings: sisters, Maria Esperanza Perez, Sister Maria Elena Gonzalez (RSM) and Maria Guadalupe Alderete and brothers, Bernardino Gonzalez and Dr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church, located at 10205 FM 620N in Austin, TX, at 10:30 AM, on Friday, February 5, 2016. Interment for Myra and Ignacio is private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be to the following: National Military Family Association (www.militaryfamily.org) or the Mexican American Catholic College (www.maccsa.org).

All that knew Ignacio and Myra can smile knowing that they will spend eternity together above the stars.