My funny, witty, strong, and beautiful mother was welcomed by Jesus last night.

This might come as a shock to some. She asked my sister Diane Camacho and I to keep her hospital stay and recovery private since March. Some family & friends knew of what was going on… but she was a prideful woman who wanted no fuss no muss.

I’ve walked by her side for this journey… she hated that at times I had to be her bedside nurse, doing tasks no parent wants their child to endure. But God chose me to have the skills, the patience, and the ability to give my mother the dignity and grace she earned in life.

My mother was one of 18 children. She had me when she was 39. She was a nurse since before I was born & retired in her 70s. She was a teacher’s aide. She was a puzzle book master and did countless jigsaw puzzles. She loved the casino and when she didn’t win she claimed to have just donated that day to the “reservation”, specifically production of baby moccasins. 😉

My mother nurtured and taught me so many lessons. She was strict with her rules but always gave valid reasons for her rules when I was growing up.

Diane and I discussed  last night that we would like to honor all of my mother’s wishes. We elect on behalf of my mother not to hold a service. If you feel as though you need to say goodbye, I urge you to go to the casino, or a baseball game in her memory. Or do a jigsaw puzzle or take a walk in nature and have a conversation out loud as if you are talking with her like you did when you knew her.

My mother is now with her family, her 2 sons, and a host of friends celebrating with Jesus - walking the streets of golden Casinos… she is no longer in pain, no longer worried about her health and her children, and is rejoicing with the angels of the Lord!

Thank you to all of you who have walked this difficult time with me, Diane, and my precious momma.

Virginia is survived by children Nasario (Cindy)Camacho, Gloria Torres, Ernest (Denise) Camacho, Diane Camacho, Pete (Stephanie) Camacho,and Raquel (Randy) Phillips. Also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren

She is survived by sister, Erlinda Vela, Ramirez brothers Jim (Mary), Dan (Carolyn), Alex, Adan (Connie), and Zeke.

Virginia is preceded in death by parents Jose and Trinidad Ramirez and husband Paul Gonzalez. Sons Enrique Camacho Jr. and Juan Camacho. Siblings: Daniel Esquivel, Delores Martin, Josephine, Sam Ramirez, Connie Guerrero, Joyce Guerrero, Lupe Martinez, Esther Guerrero, Eva Diaz, Jose Ramirez, and Charlie Ramirez.