It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Maria Rita Gonzales. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend; Rita touched the lives of many with her warmth and great kindness.

Maria Rita Utley Gonzales died peacefully October 9, 2024, surrounded by her most preciously loved ones, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Rita was born July 22, 1937, the eldest daughter of Santiago and Rita (Saenz) Utley, of Benavides Texas. She was a proud graduate of the Benavides High School Class of 1956, where she was a member of the cheerleading squad and elected first runner-up Most Beautiful by her classmates. Rita remembered her adolescent years at Benavides HS with great fondness, and often reminisced on her memories growing up in Benavides. Upon graduation, she continued her studies at Durham College, Del Mar College and took extended business courses associated with her work and career. Rita retired from Coastal States Gas Company after 30 years of commitment and service, serving in many capacities and titles. Alongside, she also successfully co-owned the family property rental business with her husband, Adolph. Upon her retirement, she and Adolph, created many memories traveling to many countries and states throughout the European and Americas continents.

Rita was a devoted mother and believed in good citizenship. For many years she was involved with her children in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, CCD teacher, Homeroom Mother, and serving as PTA officer. As her children got older, she participated and contributed in other organizations, serving as officer including Catholic Daughters (Secretary), Desk & Derrick (President), Golden Girls Club (President), Christus Spohn South Hospital Volunteers (President). She cherished the close friendships she acquired from these activities.

Rita and Adolph met on a blind date and they were married on April 22, 1963, celebrating 61 blessed years together. They raised three children, instilling in them the value of a good education, strong work ethic, and unwavering morals, ensuring their family was raised with a deep Catholic faith. They worked hard to fulfill their greatest dream of seeing each of their children achieve college educations and successful careers.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Santiago and Rita Saenz Utley; her siblings James S. Utley, Willie S. Utley and wife Nelda Perez Utley, Clara Geraldine Utley and husband Ed Colonge, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Alday. She is also preceded in death by her nephews, Roberto Amaya, Johnny Amaya, and William Utley. Her surviving siblings Oscar Utley, Susanna Amaya (Roberto), Marie Alday, Joe Martin Guerra (Melinda), and sister-in-law Lupita Utley, continue to grieve her passing. In addition, her cousins, nephews, and nieces will greatly miss her.

She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, Adolfo Marquez Gonzales, and her children Adolph Michael Gonzales (Shelly Li), Grace Marie Gonzales (Will Doiron), and Carol Annette Alejandro (James); her grandchildren, Adolph Michael Gonzales (Stacie), Jacquelyn Annette Muennink (Andrew), Aric Marcus Gonzales (Emily Civis), Niclas James Alejandro and Alanna Marie Alejandro, and four great-grandchildren will carry on her legacy.

The Gonzales Family is thankful and appreciative for everyone who loved and supported us during this time of great loss.

There will be a celebration of Rita's life on Saturday, October 12, 2024
at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Public visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.,
followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary at 11:00 a.m.
and the celebration of the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m.
The funeral procession will depart from the church at 12:30 p.m.
with burial to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Gonzalez Family Plot
in Rosehill Memorial Park.

Arrangements are entrusted to Guardian Funeral Home - Corpus Christi.