Juanita 'Jenny' H. Gonzales

Juanita “Jenny” H. Gonzales, 83, a 45-year resident of Royal City, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2009, at her home.

Jenny was born Aug. 3, 1926, in Roby, Texas, to Michaela Natividad and Marcus Hernandez. She moved with her family to Worland, Wyo., where she spent her childhood. She met Joe J. Gonzales in Worland, Wyo. Years later, on June 19, 1945, they were married in Yakima, Wash.

Mom worked for several farmers in the Upper Yakima Valley and loved to share her stories about the experiences she had while cutting asparagus, picking potatoes, working in the hops or while working in the mint, onion or bean fields. One of her favorite stories was about how she raised sheep and about how she would hunt for rabbit using her slingshot. While living in the Valley, Mom and Dad met the late Kermit Pollock. After Kermit moved to Royal City, he convinced Dad that Royal City was the place to be. At first, Mom wasn’t so sure. Needless to say, she grew to love Royal City and the people who live here.

Mom was an avid patron of the Royal City Food Bank, where she volunteered her time and served as a board member. She was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and a dedicated supporter of the Royal School District. She wore her black Royal Booster’s jacket with pride. Mom loved to can and crochet and would gift her family and friends with her beautiful afghans, potholders, kitchen towels, salsa and jam. Even in Alaska she was famous for her salsa. She also had a passion for people, for music and for dancing that remained with her throughout her life. She enjoyed spending her Sundays watching golf and was a huge fan of Tiger Woods. Mom befriended everyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand and be of service. She blessed others with her smile, sweet spirit and compassion. Her legacy lives on in her children, her grandchildren and her great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe J. Gonzales, her grandson Ray Abitia III, her parents, numerous siblings, and nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children Esther (Ray) Abitia, Sumas, Wash., Adeline (Ben) Sifuentes, Buena, Wash., Joe (Susan) Gonzales, Mesquite, Nev., RoseMary (Brian) Anderson, Wenatchee, Susan Gonzales, Royal City, Manuel (Kerry) Gonzales, Yakima, Wash., Robert Gonzales, Kitimat, British Columbia, and Tina (Jose) Solis, Royal City, 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Holy rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m., Thursday, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Father Felipe Pulido celebrant. Interment will follow at Royal Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at St. Michael’s on Thursday from 1 p.m. until rosary.

Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel and Crematory, Moses Lake. You may sign the guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the many dedicated, compassionate physicians and nurses who helped to make her life better. Special thanks to Dr. Bashar Elali and the staff at Columbia Basin Health Association, Othello Community Hospital, Dr. Anders Merg and Sacred Heart Hospital.