Ricarda “Rickie” Gonzales, 81, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at Butterworth Hospital with loved ones by her side.
Ricarda was born on February 7, 1940 in Cuero,TX to parents Elvira Dominguez and Gilberto Guzman. Rickie married the love of her life, Gerardo, in 1959. They moved their family from Texas to Holland, MI in 1966. Rickie retired after many years of teaching from Holland Public School.
Everyone who knew Rickie knew her to be selfless, loving, compassionate, and strong. Her biggest love in life was her family. Anytime she had family around, you were sure to see a smile on her face. If it was attending one of her children or grandchildren’s events, a family party, a cookout for Tulip Time, or even an impromptu summer BBQ, Rickie was in her happy place. She brought the love and togetherness to the family that they built.
Ricarda is survived by her children, Gerardo Gonzales Jr., Sylvia (Filiberto) Serrano, Sandra Donaldson, and Michael (Stephanie) Gonzales; Grandchildren, Naomi (Corey) VanDeWeg, Whitley (Davin) Jimmerson, Melissa (Jamael) Gonzales, Jordan (Daniel) Madrigal, Termyra Gonzales, Taylor (Bill) Beveridge, Marcus (Irma) Gonzales, Mingo (Emily) Serrano, Kalib Gonzales, Jacob Serrano, Thalia Gonzales, and Olivia Gonzales; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Jessie Guzman; sisters, Juanita Martinez, Hermalinda Guzman, Diane Minjares, Eva Guzman, Esther (Sara) Guzman, and Dorothy Guzman; cousins, nieces & nephews.
Rickie is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Gerardo Gonzales; son, Daniel Gonzales; daughter, Patsy Palomo; sister, Elva Guzman, Lydia Hernandez; mother, Elvira Dominguez; father, Gilberto Guzman.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 13 at Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd St, Holland, from 5-8 pm. A Rosary Prayer will be held at 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 14, at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church on 171 West 13th St, Holland, at 10:00 am followed by interment in Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Holland. We invite family and friends to join the family for a luncheon following the burial at Cornerstone Tabernacle on 781 Lincoln Ave, Holland.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.
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