Raul 'Lito' Gonzales

Raul "Lito" Gonzales, 33, Moses Lake resident passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee surrounded by his loving family. Holy Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 11, 2011 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Viewing will be from 9 to 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima. A luncheon will be held after the Mass in the CCD Center next to the church. Please sign the book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.

Longtime Moses Lake resident Raul Gonzales was born to Raul H. Gonzales and Amanda I. Gonzales (Mendéz) in Elgin, Illinois in 1977. He relocated with his family to Washington State in 1979. Raul's greatest joy as a child was participating in sports including soccer, wrestling, and Little League Baseball. His lifelong favorite sports teams were the Chicago Bears and Oakland A's favorites. Raul attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Ephrata, Benson Hill Middle School in Renton WA, and graduated as senior class president from Federal Way High School in 1995. Immediately following graduation, Raul was employed by UPS in Federal Way, Washington and transferred to the Moses Lake branch in 1999. He found his calling as a Sous Chef where enjoyed working in the food industry with employers such as Pillar Rock Café, Paradise Restaurant at Best Western, the Hang Out Bar and Grill, and lastly at The Porterhouse.

Raul's many hobbies included watching football, shooting pool, playing golf, and above all spending quality time with his family and many friends.

He is survived by his children Lucian F. Gonzales, Jolene K. Hill, Joseph M. Hill, and Paloma S. Gomez; his father Raul H. Gonzales, Guardian and Aunt Rosa M. Blancas, sister Sonia Gonzales, brother Luis A. Gonzales, nephew Adrian E. Gonzales, niece Rosemary L. Gonzales, paternal grandparents Silvestre F. Gonzales, Antonia H. Gonzales, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceded in death by his loving mother Amanda I. Gonzales (Mendez), maternal grandparents Francisco J. Mendez, Lucrecia R. Mendez, and his aunt Rosa Maria Gonzales.

He will be remembered for his generous demeanor, kind smile, and, big heart.