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Amelia G. Villarreal, 93, passed away peacefully at her home on June 13, 2007 surrounded by her family. A resident of Albuquerque since 1951, she was born in Bastrop, TX on July 13, 1913. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Celso M. Villarreal, a Baptist minister in New Mexico for 28 years, and her son, Abelardo Villarreal. She is survived by her brothers, Samuel Garcia, Jr. of Georgia and Gamaliel of Ohio; and sisters, Zulema Vasquez and Eudelia Gonzalez of Texas. Her sister, Gregoria died in 1944 and brother, Daniel in 2005. Amelia is also survived by her sons, A. Gilbert Villarreal (Janice) of Albuquerque, Hildebrando (Mary) of Pasadena, CA, and Albert (Sheila) of San Antonio, TX. Other survivors include grandchildren, Helen Nielsen (Jeremy), Belen and Carlos Villarreal; step-grandchildren, Howard Sleeper (Martha) and family, Tyrrell Patterson; step-great-grandchildren, Steven Sierra and family, Patrick Sierra, and Matthew, Christopher, and Samantha Fielder; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews in Texas, Ohio, and Georgia. The oldest child of Samuel and Nemesia Garcia of Bastrop, TX, Amelia had six brothers and sisters. She always described her family as "addicted to work" and "very united." Although scattered throughout the country, over the years they always kept in touch with each other. When her younger sister, Gregoria died in 1944 leaving three orphaned children, the family joined together to raise the children as their own. Her three brothers enlisted in the U.S. Army and served their country proudly at home and abroad. Zulema is a registered nurse, and her sister, Eudelia is a homemaker. Amelia described her early life in Texas on a ranch 20 miles from Bastrop as "very simple." Her 3-room childhood home had a small kitchen, a wood stove and no electricity or indoor plumbing. Amelia remembered vividly the big flood of 1935 that destroyed their home and all their possessions. She was very proud of being born into a Baptist family and in 1932 she married Celso Villarreal, who later was to become a Baptist minister in the Mexican community. They started their missionary work in Gonzales, TX where he had his first assignment for the Southern Baptist Convention. Times were difficult but they both were dedicated to the work they felt called to do. In 1941 they came to New Mexico, a place they came to love and appreciate as their permanent home. They lived first in Gallup and then Belen before finally settling in Albuquerque. Amelia was a homemaker until 1969 when her husband died. With no formal education beyond the 8th grade and no work experience she started to work at Margo's la Mode and continued there until she retired in 1990. She was very proud of the fact that she remained independent and never had to ask her children or relatives for financial help despite the modest wages she earned. Amelia described herself as reserved, compassionate and friendly. Although her hobbies were few, like crocheting and quilting, she never complained of being bored. She was completely dedicated to her church, The First Spanish Fruit Avenue Baptist Church, and her children and grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Amelia's memory to the First Spanish Fruit Avenue Church's building fund, Women's Missionary Union, or Golden Circle. Services will be held at The First Spanish Fruit Avenue Baptist Church, 812 Fruit Ave. NW, on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 with visitation from 1 - 2 p.m. and Service starting at 2 p.m. Intement will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.
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