Victoria Gomez, 80, of Yuma, Arizona passed away Wednesday May 24, 2017 at her home from complications with pneumonia and Alzheimer's . She was born August 30, 1936 in Phoenix, Arizona at Good Samaritan Hospital. Her parents were Federico Laven Aja and Isabel Martin Aja both of Spain. Both parents immigrated through Ellis Island. Victoria attended Washington Elementary School and Glendale High School (1954). She loved being a cheerleader and tennis player, but loved the friendships made more. Following high school, she attended a business college.

In 1956, February 9, she married Jesse Gomez, the love of her life. They were married for 60 years. They had three children: Federico (Char) Gomez, Timilie (Jerome- deceased) Lauderdale and Debanie (James) Murdock all of Yuma. She had thirteen grandchildren: Tyler (Wyndi) of Stafford, Virginia, Levi Gomez of Brawley, California, Victoria (Jeff) Bourne of Yuma, Arizona, Sara (Randy) Rhodes of Illinois, Chrissy (Ryan) Dougherty, David Ferree of Illinois, Chelsea (Chris) Patmont of Pleasant Hills, California, Jamie Murdock of Scottsdale, Arizona, Caitlin Murdock of Chandler, Arizona, Lindy Murdock of Yuma, Arizona, Teagon Lauderdale of Mesa, Arizona, Katie Ann, Layla, Evelyn, Fredrick and George Rhodes of Illinois. She also had five great-grandchildren: Talon Gomez of Virginia, Brielle Stanhope-Bourne of Yuma, Arizona, Isabella Stanhope-Bourne of Yuma, Arizona, Luke Beckam Bourne of Yuma, Arizona and Quinston Patmon of California. She loved her family above anything. She loved each one for their individuality, success, and for being sincere genuine people. Victoria was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She has given us so much love, taught us vales and morals.

Victoria was a hardworking person. After business school she worked as a dental assistant. After marriage, they moved to Safford, Arizona where they farmed. Next, they moved to Winslow, Arizona to help ranch her father's business. One year it was so cold that hay was dropped by plane and then used ski mobiles to get it to the cattle. When opportunity happened, they purchased a farm in Dome Valley, Arizona. She worked at a grocery store, Wellton- Mohawk Irrigation Districtand Clayton Cattle Co. Victoria loved children and got a job at Wellton Elementary School as an aide. This enabled her to be close to her children too. Finally, she went to work as a Migrant Records Clerk Aide and more at Antelope High School where she retired. This allowed her to follow her children. The next endeavor was helping run the largest RV Park in Yuma, Arizona (Fortuna Del Oro RV Resort). At last as a silent partner the Comfort Inn, Microtel Hotel and Gomez Plaza.

Some of her hobbies were gardening, reading cookbooks, and crafts. She also was a member of the Wool Growers Association, Cowbelles, and Cotton Wives Association. Another joy she had were babies, she just loved them! Watching sports being played by her children and grandchildren thrilled her. She tried to attend all games whether at home or away. Also, watching sports on TV and live events was captivating for her. She generally was very vocal for her team.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, her son Federico Gomez and family, her daughters Timilie Lauderdale and Debanie Murdock, their families, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends, in the U.S. and in Spain, her brother-in-law Daniel Vicaya and daughters Dani, Mari, Katrina and son Troy, sisters Ellen Keenan and daughter Mikki Jillian, Mary (Miguel) Arteche and daughters Marissa and Monique.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Lena (Alfredo) Aja, Lucinda Vicaya, brother who died at birth, and brother-in-law Michael Keenan.

The people she treasured the most are deeply affected and heartbroken by her passing. The only things that she stressed were the importance of family, education, hard work, and determination. Her favorite saying was "Live and learn; then forget."

Services will be held at St. John Newman Catholic Church in the Foothills in Yuma, Arizona on Wednesday, June 7, at 10:00 am, reception will follow.