Gabriela "Gay" Chavez Viramontes, age 86, a longtime Wellington resident, left us on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at Sumner Regional Medical Center in Wellington, KS.

Gabriela C. Viramontes was born February 27, 1922 in Wichita, KS to Emigdio and Francisca (Camacho) Chavez.

Gabriela Chavez married Lauro "Larry" Viramontes on November 26, 1949 in Wichita, KS. He preceded her in death on March 5, 2001 after 51 years together.

Gay, as she was known to her friends, was a homemaker and raised eight children with love and patience. She never asked for much, only that her children were clean and healthy. She was the rock of the family and will be greatly missed by all.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Larry; two sons, Robert and Mark; one daughter, Mary Christine; four brothers, Anacleto, Pascual, Prez, and Pete; one sister, Luz; and one grandson, Ricky Hilario.

She is survived by Linda and Donald Sloan of Excelsior Springs, MO, Laura Torrez of Wellington, KS, Fred and Loretta Viramontes of Wellington, KS, Cynthia and Joaquin Rico of Wellington, KS, Debbie and Alfred Savala of Arkansas City, KS, Teresa and Jeff Robison of Hutchinson, KS. Gay was also blessed with 18 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 2, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. both at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Father Andrew E. Heiman will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Prairie Lawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 31, 2009 from 1:00 – 5:00 P.M. and Sunday, February 1, 2009 from 9:00-Noon.

A memorial has been established with Sumner County Home Health. Memorials can be left at the funeral home.