Renita Kay Gonzalez of Alliance, Nebraska, passed away on May 18, 2026, at Box Butte General Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on March 2, 1942, at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Alliance to Harry and Madlyn (Coupens) Rusk. She graduated from St. Agnes Academy in 1960.
During these years, she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” T. Gonzalez. They were married on July 30, 1960, and together built a beautiful life rooted in family, faith, and community. They shared fifty-five wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with five children, whose many activities kept her busy throughout their growing-up years.
Renita worked at Hested’s early in life and later returned to the workforce at Jack and Jill’s as her children grew older. She was active in the Holy Rosary Altar Society and devoted to her Catholic community. She was also a proud member of the Jaycee Jills, where she served faithfully as both a local and state officer. Together, Renita and Dick gave generously of their time and talents to the Alliance community.
Family was always at the center of Renita’s life. Her home was a welcoming place where family and friends often gathered to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal, plenty of laughter, and cherished time together. She was an exceptional cook and, while in high school, earned the Betty Crocker Award.
Renita is survived by her sister, Connie (Terry) Johnston; her five children, Jeff (Gayle) Gonzalez, Deedee Gay, Debra Holden, Brenda (Joe) Herian, and Audrey (Rick) Ridenour; her grandchildren, Tyne, Travis, Patrick, Margaret, Amber, Lindsey, Phillip, Jamie, Tanner, Brianna, and Trevor; and twelve great-grandchildren.
While Renita will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited with Dick. They take peace in imagining the two of them together again, smiling down on their family, sharing an ice cream cone, and dancing once more. Her love lives on in the family she built and cherished every day.
Viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Bates-Gould Funeral Home in Alliance. The Rosary and a time of sharing memories will take place at 7:00 PM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 10:00 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent in care of the family to 615 Emerson, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301, with designation to be decided at a later time.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.