Edna Gonzoles

Edna Kathern Gonzoles was born to Samuel and Wanda Russell on March 16, 1947 in Tacoma, WA. She passed from this life to be reunited with her parents and brother on January 4, 2010.

Edna was raised in Richland, WA, graduating from Richland High School in 1965. Soon after she met her future husband, Jesse Gonzoles. After courtship that grew through letters exchanged during Jesse's tour in Vietnam, they married in 1969. Their son Michael Gonzoles came into the world in 1972.

Edna was a homemaker for 7 years until 1979 when she went to school. After 1 year of classes at the graduate center, Edna began a long career working for the Kennewick School District that lased 22 years until her retirement in 2002. She was an educational assistant, specializing in working with the mentally and physically handicapped children. Edna enriched their lives by sharing her artistic skills with them in dozens of different crafts and sewing projects.

Edna was preceded in death by her mother, Wanda Russell in 1995, her father Samuel Russell in 2003 and her brother Lloyd Russell in 2005.

She is survived by her son Michael Gonzoles; sister, Ruth Pierson; nieces Jennifer and Lisa Pierson; great nephew, Gage McDonnaugh, and adopted daughters Roberta Engel and Chana Holt.

The family invites you to a viewing of Edna Gonzoles Friday, January 8, 2010 from 5pm to 8pm at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland. There will be a celebration of her life and a reception following the viewing at 8618 W. Arrowhead in Kennewick.