Elias Alba Gonzalez

Elias Gonzalez passed away March 6, 2024 due to complications from Covid.

He was born April 9, 1930 in Jalisco Mexico to Jose and Francisca Alba Gonzalez.

Yearning for a better life, he would leave Mexico alone and against his mothers wishes, at the age of 17.

His field work brought him to the Yakima Valley where he would meet his wife of 74 years, Carmen, during hop harvest.  They married in 1949 and settled in Sunnyside where they would make a home and raise their six children.

In 1954 he joined Laborers Local #348.  He took great pride that in his 50 years of service he worked on several dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. 

On June 16, 1959 one of his proudest moments was being sworn in as a United States Citizen at the Yakima Courthouse.

He retired from the laborers after working 20 years at the Hanford area.

His work ethic was stronger than most and he instilled that in all his children.  His strong  catholic faith guided him through his entire life.    He enjoyed camping and leading the grandkids on a nature walk.  He would take Carmen dancing and gambling, and enjoyed watching her win.  He enjoyed all the dinners with family and the amazing food Carmen brought to the table.

He was a big teaser, loved a good chuckle and will be greatly missed.

His is survived by his wife Carmen Gonzalez of Yakima.  Six children, Elias Gonzalez Jr. (Kathy) of Grandview, Cece Ableidinger (Dale) of Yakima, Frances Ritch (Wayne) of Pasco, Joe Gonzalez (Sherry) of Pasco, Nick Gonzalez (Robin) of Sunnyside, and Art Gonzalez (Kathy) of Yakima.   Thirteen grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his  infant son Johnny Jess Gonzalez in 1970 and twin granddaughters Karmin Isley and Cecelia Frances Gonzalez in 1985. 

His eight sisters and four brothers who lived in Mexico have also all gone before him.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sunnyside, WA.   Burial will follow at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA. Those wishing to sign Elias online memorial book may do so at www.funerlhomesmith.com   Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elias Alba Gonzalez, please visit our floral store.