Maria T. Gonzalez

Our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Maria Torres Gonzalez, joined our dad in heaven on November 20, 2025. Mom’s journey on earth began on September 2, 1931, in Allende Coahuila, Mexico. At the age of 19 years old, she met Jose Ruiz Gonzalez, and they married on January 28, 1951, and were married for 74 years.

In 1955 they began their migrating adventure, first traveling to San Angelo, Texas where dad (Jose) worked on a cattle ranch. The following year they came to Mabton where they began their long employment working in hop industry for the Gannon family. Following the hop harvest, the family would travel to Idaho for the potato and sugar beet harvest. The family would then travel to Casa Grande, Arizona to pick cotton, lettuce, and work in the rose industry. In 1970 they finally decided to settle in Mabton. At the age of 67 mom retired from Columbia Crest Winery. She shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first farm worker in Washington to receive a pension from United Farm Workers of America, paving the way for so many others to follow.

Mom was a hard-working woman, dedicated to her family. What made her happiest, was having her family together. Food was her love language; meals were always prepared and ready for when loved ones visited. She would even make tacos for her grandchildren when they traveled for sporting events. She had many specialties, like chicken molé, enchiladas, arroz con pollo, carne con chilé, and caldo, with refried beans and flour tortillas being an everyday staple. In addition to cooking, Mom had many skills and hobbies like crocheting, gardening, and ceramics. She was a sports grandma who loved attending her grandchildren’s basketball and volleyball games, proudly wearing Viking and Greyhound gear. She was dedicated to the Mabton Immaculate Conception Church. Mom and dad were eucharistic ministers, taking communion to the sick and elderly for many years. She helped with church activities and fundraising, including making tamales with her comadres.

Maria now joins her husband Jose, her son Felix, grandson Jose Angel, her parents Lazaro and Apolonia Torres, as well as her brothers and sisters in their eternal rest.

Maria is survived by her children, Ana (Greg) Hurn of Mabton, Joe (Delia) Gonzalez of Richland, Rose Mary (Martin) Cervantes of Mabton, and Tony (Marci) Gonzalez of West Richland. Maria is also survived by nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

She was a strong woman to be admired, and she leaves a legacy of work ethic, family, cherished traditions, love, and connections with others. Thank you, Ama, for your strength, unconditional love, and teachings that have helped shape generations.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4:00 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 Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Grandview, WA with burial to follow at the Mabton Cemetery, Mabton, Washington.  Those wishing to sign Maria’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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