Hector Gonzales

Hector Gonzales, known as “Rata,” went to be with the Lord on the morning of May 2, 2026.

Hector was born on September 6, 1957, in Ogden, Utah, to his Parents, Jose and Juanita Gonzales.

He was a beloved Son, Brother, Tio, Primo, and Life Partner, and his presence in his family’s life was something that could never be replaced.

From a young age, Hector was out in the fields, working alongside his family. Those early days in the farms shaped the man he became hardworking, resilient, and always about his people. He carried that same energy with him throughout his life.

Hector was the second oldest of seven and truly the consentido of the family. To his brothers and sisters, he was more than just family he was solid, someone they could count on no matter what. They shared a lifetime of memories growing up stories full of laughter, mischief, and real-life moments that stayed with them forever. As his nieces and nephews, hearing those stories over the years was something we always loved. It gave us a deeper connection to him and showed us the roots of who he was.

Anyone who knew Hector knew he brought life into every room he stepped into. He had a way of making people laugh without even trying, and his laugh—man, it was contagious. You couldn’t help but smile when you were around him.

He lived his life his way an OG in every sense. Hector was always ready to protect his family, whatever that meant. He took pride in how he carried himself. You’d catch him in his fresh creased khakis, a clean white tee, his cholo hat, and his loks always looking sharp.

He had a free spirit always on his bike, pulling up on family and friends, staying on the move. He also loved fixing up bikes and flipping them, always hustling in his own way. Listening to Tejano music, fishing and just being a big kid playing outside with his grandchildren which brought him great joy.

He is survived by his siblings Jose Gonzalez Jr. of Sunnyside, Martha (Marcos) Saldaña of Sunnyside, Olga (Rosendo) Perez of Pasco, Son Hector Gonzales Jr, his partner in life Belinda Marez of Wapato (his vieja, who meant so much to him), along with sister-in-law Irma and many Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews.

He is reunited in heaven with his parents, Jose and Juanita Gonzales, and his sister Ofelia, brother Conrad and sister Norma.

Hector’s memory will live on through the laughter he shared, the stories he created, and the love he gave to his family. He will never be forgotten.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 with Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA  Burial will follow at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA.  Those wishing to sign Hector’s online memorial book may do so  at www.funeralhomesmith.com               

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