Teresa Gonzales Lara

Teresa G. Lara Teresa was born in Banning, Ca, on November 16, 1928. She was the third daughter of Rafael and Maria Gonzales. Teresa died peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren on May 14, 2025, in her hometown of Banning.

On August 17, 1947, Teresa married Edward Beltran Lara. They were married 69 years and raised their family in Banning. Teresa had 6 children, Juanita Sibole (Bob), Edward Lara (Jenell), Lillian Moyer (Michael), Raymond Lara (JoAnn), John Lara (Debi) and Tomas (Lynn). She was a much-loved mother of 6, grandmother of 25, great-grandmother of 39 and great-great grandmother of 18.

Teresa was a very gracious lady. Anyone who visited her home was treated warmly and almost always served a wonderful meal along with engaging fellowship. She was a wonderful cook of fine Mexican food. Everyone felt lucky to eat at her table. She was a very active community member, her contributions included Little League and Pop Warner team mom, Brownies and Girl Scout troop leader. She was a Banning High School booster and PTA member. Teresa was also a founding member of the board for the Mexican American Scholarship Fund. This group put on the annual Scholarship dinner to raise funds for scholarships for outstanding Banning High School students. It was always successful, largely because of the great food and fellowship.

Besides doing mom duties to 6 kids, she worked at the Banning shirt factory before working at the Deutsch Company 10 years. Teresa and her husband Edward loved to travel. They visited Mexico, Spain, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Hawaii, Washington DC, Georgia, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Edward Lara, her son Tomas Lara, her three siblings, Trini, Jenny, and Vincent, parents Rafael and Maria, and daughter in law JoAnn Lara.



Services for Teresa Lara are scheduled for:

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Viewing at 8:30 am, Rosary 9:00 am, Funeral Mass 10:00 am at

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 157 W Nicolet St. Banning, CA.

Burial at San Gorgonio Memorial cemetery following the Mass.

The reception will follow at the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish Hall located at 1239 Chestnut Ave, Beaumont, CA 92223

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