Carrie Lynn Gonzales' Obituary
Carrie Lynn Gonzales, age 73, loving wife, mother, nana, and wonderful friend passed away
peacefully surrounded by family on February 26, 2024. She is survived by Rick Gonzales, her
husband of 52 years; her daughters Kimberly Ditore and husband Sam, Jennifer Hood and
husband Sid Keller, Lauren del Busto and husband Pedro, and son Matt Gonzales and wife
Kayleigh; and 10 beautiful grandchildren: Lane and Owen Ditore, Grover, Avery, and Clara
Hood, Marcus, Andrew, and Nicolas del Busto, and Ashlynn and Caden Gonzales.
She was born in Dallas, Texas and graduated with honors from both Thomas Jefferson High
School, class of 1968, and Texas Tech University, class of 1971. Honor student, teacher, avid
photographer, and life-long builder of memories, Carrie was an inspiration to her family and
many friends. She traveled the world alongside Rick, her high school sweetheart, remaining
grounded and humble her entire life.
Carrie was a creator and a gift-giver. She stenciled nurseries, hand-smocked dresses, and
crafted custom baby bedding with extraordinary precision and care. She loved to acquire
treasures just to save them for the perfect gift-giving moment whether it was months, years, or
even generations in advance.
Her unquestioned faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her unfailing love for others
carried her through life and a five-year battle with cancer which hurt her body but never her
spirit. She is loved by everyone that knew her – a love that will never end!
She is survived by her sisters, Cathy McCall of Dallas and Cindy Bryant of Lindale; and her
brothers Craig Genarlsky of China Spring, Carl Genarlsky and Chris Genarlsky both of Waco;
along with many nieces, nephews and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her
parents Joseph George Genarlsky and Mary Hawkins Genarlsky.
Calling hours for family and friends will be held at Restland Funeral Home on Saturday, March
2nd between 3-5 PM. A Celebration of Life service will take place at Restland Memorial Chapel
on Sunday, March 3rd, at 2 PM followed immediately by a burial service at Restland Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Carrie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carrie?
Share a story where Carrie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carrie you’ll never forget.
How did Carrie make you smile?