Eloise Tovar Gonzales

Eloise Tovar Gonzales, age 98, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Eloise was born on September 8, 1927 in Waco, Texas to Ignacio Tovar and Susanna Calderon Tovar. She attended Cedar Springs schools and, as a young girl, worked on a farm and cared for her siblings. Eloise was married to her beloved husband, John G. Gonzales, for 63 years.

She worked as a seamstress and later for Levines and K-Mart before retiring from M&M Mars. Eloise was a tremendous cook who loved red birds, her plants, crafting, Elvis Presley, and family trips to Mexico for merchandise. She was a founding member of the Waco Missions and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Eloise had a special entrepreneurial spirit and great business sense. She earned many Avon sales awards and could always be found at the flea market, where she enjoyed visiting with people as much as finding and making a good deal. She believed in hard work and never lost her business hustle.

Momo Loisa had a no-nonsense personality and told it like it was. She was quick-witted, always ready with a clever comeback, and had a wonderful sense of humor that kept everyone laughing. Her strength and unforgettable spirit will be cherished by those she cared for and by all who knew and loved her.

Eloise was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; sisters, Aurora Salinas (Dora), Gloria Alegria, Francisca Larson (Francis), and Magdalena Ramos (Lena); brothers, Crecensio Tovar (Chris) and Esteban Tovar (Steve); sons, Johnny Gonzales, Jr. and Michael Gonzales; daughter, Ana Salinas; grandson, John Paul Gonzales; and great-grandson, Andrew John Alvarez.

She is survived by her son, Nick Gonzales and wife, Lisa; brother, Ramon (Raymond) Tovar; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 33 great-great grandchildren; and one great-great-great grandson.

Pallbearers will be Michael Gonzales, Chris Gonzales, Juan Ramirez, Emmitt Herrera, Augustine Salinas, Anthony Alvarez, and Samuel Ybarra.

Special thanks to Coral Rehabilitation and Nursing of McGregor and Bluebonnet Hospice for their loving care and support.