Olivia Perez Gonzales

Olivia Perez Gonzales, 82, of Ballinger, Texas passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

She was born on October 28, 1942, to Jose and Pauline (Ruiz) Perez in Ballinger, Texas. Olivia married the love of her life Jose “Joe” Angel Gonzales in 1964 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, and together they shared 57 years of love and laughter before Joe’s passing in 2021. Olivia was known for her hairdressing business but, worked several jobs before she began that endeavor. With limited education she still ran a very successful self-made business all by herself, and she loved her “little old ladies” that she considered her friends after many years of service. Olivia was a provider by nature and worked hard and tirelessly to support her family. In her spare time, she took up sewing and crocheting as a hobby and made clothes, blankets, and was an expert at hemming. Later in life she finally gave in to Joe and took up golfing and ended up being really good at it. She also enjoyed gambling and would save up her money so she could take weekend trips with Joe, and while she was very lucky and knew when to stop, Joe did not. A true matriarch of her family, Olivia, represented a generation that knew how to work hard, and showed love through the hard-working hands that blessed everyone they touched. 

Olivia is preceded in death by her parents Jose and Pauline Perez, her husband Jose Gonzales, son Joe Gonzales, Jr., her sister Delia Lopez, and her brother Oscar Perez.

She is survived by her daughter Betty and husband Phillip, her grandchildren Amber, Jacob and wife Whitney, Jessica and husband Will, Dillon, and Drew. Olivia will also be remembered by her great-grandchildren Samuel, Theo, Henry, Carter, and Bodie Olivia. She is dearly cherished by her siblings Joe, Rudy, and Danny Perez, as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

Olivia’s funeral service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 10:00 am at the chapel at Lange Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Ballinger, Texas. In order to honor Olivia’s wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no viewing. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital in Olivia’s honor or charity of choice.

The family would like to thank Hospice of San Angelo, especially Vicki Keck for her tender love and care of Olivia.