Shirley Mae Gonzales – Arthur Gonzales
Shirley Mae Gonzales (née Rockwell), born July 23, 1937, in Santa Barbara, California, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at Serenity House in Santa Barbara.
Shirley was the beloved wife of Art Gonzales, devoted mother to Steve (wife Lisa) and Dave, cherished grandmother to Chelsey Gold, and loving sister to Mary Louise Murphy, Betty Robson, and Benjamin “Rocky” Rockwell. She is survived by her sons, granddaughter, great-grandchildren Wyatt & Bowie Gold, and numerous nieces and nephews.
For over 30 years, Shirley dedicated her career as a secretary and office manager in medical and chiropractic offices. She retired as Office Manager and Chiropractic Assistant for Wagner Chiropractic, where she worked alongside Daniel Wagner D.C., whom she considered more like another son than a boss. Shirley lived for her husband Art, and their children and took immense pride in all their work and sports accomplishments.
Known for her quick wit, positive disposition, and deep love for her family and friends, Shirley touched the lives of everyone she met.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial will be held for both Shirley and Art, who passed in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic and was never formally recognized, on Saturday, February 28th, at 11:00 am at Welch-Ryce Haider Goleta Chapel, 450 Ward Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. A luncheon reception will immediately follow.
Please reply to ShirleyArtGonzales@gmail.com if you plan on attending the reception.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at VNA Health Hospice Program, especially nurses Katie and Jeannie at Serenity House, who cared for Shirley in her final week. Special gratitude also goes to the staff and volunteers of Food From the Heart Santa Barbara, who provided Shirley with nutritious meals over the last few years when she was unable to prepare her own.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be directed to Food From the Heart Santa Barbara and VNA Health Serenity House in memory of Shirley.
