LA JARA —La Jara resident Gilbert R. Mondragon, 73, passed away May 22, 2019 after a short battle with cancer peacefully at his home with his loving family by his side.  Gilbert was born Dec. 10, 1945 in Capulin, son of Margarito and Isabel Mondragon. 

He was united in marriage on Feb. 13, 1965 to Vivian Valdez and the two shared a loving and happy union for 54 years until his passing.  Gilbert was an exceptional and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, hauling wood from the mountains, family activities, BBQing, playing cards, gambling, playing with his grandkids, firemen’s field activities, going to Bronco games in Denver, and especially the time he spent with his family, friends and working colleagues.

Survivors include his wife Vivian Mondragon of La Jara; daughter Melissa (John) Dominguez, Alamosa; sons Gregory (Crystal) Mondragon, Westminster, and Brian Mondragon, Aurora; sisters Mary (James) Valdez, Wenatchee, Wash.; Irene (Max) Gumper, Grand Junction, Margie (Max) DeHerrera, La Jara, and Darlene (Tony) Buhr, La Jara; brother Steve (Anna) Mondragon, La Jara; sisters-in-law Ernestine (Larry) Winchester, La Jara, and Frances Valdez, Del Norte; grandchildren Emma Dominguez, Alamosa, and Tiago Mondragon, Westminster; step grandsons Johnny and Jonathon Dominguez.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Margarito and Isabel Mondragon; sister Dolores Rendon; nephew Jeff Rivera; niece Neva Mondragon; father and mother-in-law J. Luis and Sylvia Valdez; brother-in-law Michael Valdez.

A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in La Jara.  A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, May 31 at 10 a.m., also at the Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in La Jara.  Interment will follow at the La Jara Cemetery.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.romerofuneralhomes.com.  The care of arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa.