Consuelo Gandara Muñoz, 88, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born January 2, 1938 in Mogollon, NM to Merced Gandara and Odelia Garcia.
(Recently written by Consuelo before her passing)
On a cold winter night, January 2, 1938, I began my earthly journey as the first child of Merced and Odelia Gandara. I was born in Mogollon, New Mexico, in Catron County, and lived there for five years. When the gold mines closed, Mogollon became a ghost town, and our family moved to Silver City to join other family members who had also left Mogollon. By the time I was five, I had two brothers, Merced and Manuel, who were born in Mogollon. In Silver City, my sister Lydia was born, and I also had a little brother, Richard, who passed away at just six months old.
I lived a very quiet, uneventful life-happy and peaceful. There were a few bumps along the road, mostly illness and the loss of family members. For a while, there were some difficult times. Then two young men knocked on our door. They were missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They began teaching our family about the gospel. My dad was not ready at first and resisted the idea of joining the Church, but things changed, and eventually he and my mom accepted the gospel. From then on, my life continued to be good, quiet, peaceful, and happy one. I did not travel the world. I wasn't famous. I wasn't anything extraordinary, and it never mattered to me that I didn't have what some people might call an exciting or eventful life. Mine was quiet, and I was happy with that.
Then I met my husband, and that brought many, many blessings into my life. He was a 98% husband—not 100%, because none of us are! He was a good husband and a good dad. We had four children, the greatest blessings and the trophies of my life. They were never troublemakers. They were obedient, caring, and giving to the very last day for both of us. I know Heavenly Father is aware of this. I also had my church family, whom I love with all my heart. The memories I made and the callings I had in the Church were blessings to me. I was blessed to teach many children, but I always felt that they taught me even more. They taught me about love, devotion, and commitment to Heavenly Father. I don't have the words to express my love and gratitude to my immediate and extended family. I don't know why I've lived this long, and I don't understand why I've been so blessed, day after day.
In the last days of my journey, I was blessed to have family, friends, and my church family around me. There were fresh flowers all the time. I love flowers, but I don't want them on my grave. I've already enjoyed them here while I was alive! I was also blessed to talk with my family and friends before I left this world. The love, care, and kindness my family showed me was overwhelming and far beyond anything I could have asked for. I know Heavenly Father has a record of their good deeds, and I know they will be rewarded and blessed for them.
I leave this world with a happy heart, a peaceful feeling, and no regrets. I thank everyone who made my life so rich and happy. You're not supposed to live in this world forever, but if I had stayed any longer, I would have continued receiving blessings that I feel so unworthy of. That's the one thing I never understood—why I was so blessed when I felt so unworthy. But I know it has something to do with the love and mercy Heavenly Father has for all His children.
I love you all.
And hopefully… Hasta la vista!
I am survived by my children, Eva Vial and her husband, Dave Vial; Anna Vial and her husband, John Vial; and my son, Sam Munoz. I am also survived by my grandchildren, Leslie, Jenny, Monica, Emily, Matthew, Steven, Michelle, Krystal, Amber, James, Devin, and Aubrey; my great-grandchildren, Oakley, Raleigh, Clara, Max, Emmi, Leo, Ella, Jackson, Charlie, Ruby, Andres, Brody, Addie, Gaige, Vincent, Calvin, Terence, Evelyn, Wesley, and Heidi; my sister, Lydia Gonzales; my son in-law, Senovio Perea, and several nieces and nephews.
I was preceded in death by my parents, Odelia and Merced Gandara; my husband, Lorenzo M. Munoz; my daughter, Della M. Perea; and my brothers, Manuel Gandara, Merced Jr. Gandara, and Richard Gandara, who passed away as an infant.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 15th from 10:30-11am at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints. The funeral service will commence at 11am with Bishop Brad Chadwick officiating. Concluding service interment will follow at Memory Lane cemetery where she will be laid to rest by her loving husband. Pallbearers are Senovio Perea, Steven Perea, Andres Perea, Brody Perrault, Gaige Perrault, Steven Valenzuela, James Gandara, Jared Gandara. Honorary Pallbearers Sam Munoz, Billy Maldonado, Jerry McDonald, Gary Hulsey, Lloyd Lacy, Rene Perea, Erik Chavez.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
