Raquel G. Gonzalez

Longtime Burlington, Colorado resident, Raquel G. Gonzalez, passed away at her home in Burlington on Thursday, April 10, 2025. She was 56 years old.

Raquel was born on August 4, 1968 in Mathis, TX to Jose and Manuela (Garcia) Aguirre. She was one of eight children. She attended school in Mathis.

Raquel, even at a young age, always had a spunk in her step. She lived life on the edge and was not afraid to embrace uncertainty. She left home as a teenager, being totally confident she could conquer the world. Over the next 40 years she encountered many of life’s obstacles and personal battles.

Without a doubt, her greatest pride and joy were her three kids (Maricela, Daniel, and Luis).

Raquel was a loving person and especially embraced get togethers with her family. Simple get togethers, like Easter Cascarone smashing and loteria, always turned competitive to her. She spent many Sundays at the Knights of Columbus playing bingo, hoping her family would hear her yell that winning word... BINGO! Her favorite drink of choice was Diet Coke which was usually paired with chocolate or a payday bar. She enjoyed cleaning while dancing to her favorite band “Los Tigres Del Norte.” She was a good cook and could definitely make some tasty tamales.

Raquel was a member of the St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Burlington. Her faith was important to her. She also wanted to make sure she passed this faith onto her son as she made an intentional effort to see Luis make it through First Communion and Confirmation.

Preceding her in death were her parents, one niece Annadella Pacheco, 2 nephews Joe Aguirre III, Danny Aguirre and one great infant nephew Andrew J. Fuentes.

She is survived by her children Luis Soto of Burlington, CO, Daniel Martinez and Marciela (Luis) Hernandez, all of Tampa Bay, FL, her significant other Gildardo Martinez of Burlington, CO, step children Daniela Martinez of Mexico, Brianna Esmaralda Martinez of Burlington, CO, and Manuela Martinez and Brenda Martinez both of Mexico. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Isaiah Martinez, Luis Hernandez, Gael Hernandez and Yahir Hernandez, as well as her siblings, Rosie (Octavio) Gonzalez of Kanorado, KS, Emily (Rogelio) Bustillos of Leoti, KS, Maria Aguirre of Goodland, KS, Christina Ledesma of Ft. Worth, TX, Yolanda (Diego) Martinez of Aurora, CO, Efrain (Regina) Aguirre of Kanorado, KS and Joe Aguirre of Kanorado, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the Raquel Gonzalez Memorial Fund to be used for Local Youth Programs and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.