Teresa “Terri” Gonzales, 70, passed away on August 31, 2026.

Terri was born Teresa Mondragon on October 4, 1955, in Tooele, Utah, to Pablo S. Mondragon and Macedonia “Madge” Mondragon Llewellyn. She was raised in Tooele, a community that would remain an important part of her story throughout her life.

It was also in Tooele that Terri’s story with the love of her life, Barolin “Bottles” Gonzales, began. Having grown up in the same neighborhood, their lives eventually came together in a marriage that lasted 30 years. After his passing, Terri carried her love for Bottles with her, and her family finds comfort in knowing they are together once again.

Terri built a career she was proud of at the Tooele Army Depot, where she worked in administrative support. While she spent most of her life in Tooele, retirement gave her the opportunity to experience new places and new adventures. She spent time living in Washington state before eventually moving to Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Of all that Terri accomplished, however, nothing made her prouder than her children and the lives and families they created.

Terri had an extraordinary gift for making people feel special. She was generous, trustworthy, loving, and always thinking of others. She never treated anyone as though they were less than, and whether someone had known her for a lifetime or had only just met her, Terri had a way of making them feel seen and cared for. She was a wonderful listener, gave the very best hugs, and had a healing touch.

She loved being outdoors, camping, spending time with family and friends, laughing, listening to good music, and simply enjoying life. She taught her children by example to be strong and independent, but perhaps even more importantly, she taught them how to truly love life.

Being a mother was one of Terri’s greatest joys. She was the kind of mom who would do anything she could to bring happiness into her children’s lives. And when grandchildren came along, that love only grew.

Her grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy. For the last eight years, Terri helped care for her grandson Alexander, whom she affectionately called “her boss” because if Alexander wanted something, Giga usually found a way to make it happen. Their relationship was incredibly special and will forever be one of the most treasured parts of her family’s memories of her.

Terri was also the family’s beloved “tamale lady.” The tradition of making tamales at Christmas, along with her homemade tortillas and the countless memories created around food and family, will continue through the generations she leaves behind.

Terri loved and trusted in the Lord throughout her life. After several difficult weeks of illness, her family takes comfort in knowing that on August 31, the Lord finally called her to rest and reunited her with her beloved Bottles.

Terri was preceded in death by her husband, Barolin “Bottles” Gonzales; her parents, Pablo S. Mondragon and Macedonia “Madge” Mondragon Llewellyn; her brothers David Mondragon, Paul Mondragon, and Larry Mondragon, and Brother and Sisters-in-law George Gonzales, Jane (Uvaldo) Lovato and Lise Gonzales

She leaves behind her children, Terri Lee (Tavo) Hernandez, Nicole (Ryan) Perea, and Zachary (Sarah) Gonzales; her grandchildren, Anthony Chavez. Cristian, Aylin, Eyvelin Hernandez, Alexander Perea, Tristan and Caden Cota Perea; and her great-granddaughter, Kylee Chavez.

She is also survived by her sisters, Kathie (Henry) Martinez and Valerie Gonzales; sisters-in-law Edna Mondragon, Josie Oldroyd, and Viola (Gerald) Villarreal; brothers-in-law Leo (Barbara) Gonzales, Elmer Gonzales, Rick Gonzales, Andy (Jami) Gonzales, and Benji (Karen) Gonzales; as well as many nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members, and friends whom she loved dearly.

Services

A funeral Mass celebrating Terri’s life will be held on October 8, 2026, at St. Marguerite’s Catholic Church, 15 S 7th St., Tooele, UT 84074.

The service schedule will begin at 10:00 a.m. for family/friends, with the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m. Graveside service will follow at Tooele Cemetery, 361 S 100 E, Tooele, UT 84074, with a luncheon afterward at the church.

In Loving Memory

Life will never be quite the same. There will forever be an empty place where her hugs, her laughter, her listening ear, and her unconditional love once were. But far greater than the sadness of losing her is the gratitude of having been blessed to love her and to be loved by her.

We will miss her for the rest of our lives, but we will be grateful for her for even longer.

We believe Terri is finally at peace, reunited with Bottles, and surrounded by the love she gave throughout her life.