Victoria Gonzales

Victoria Gonzales Rizo, known lovingly by so many as Doña Tola, passed away peacefully of natural causes on May 6, 2026, at her home in Crane, Texas. She was 79 years old.

Victoria was born on July 28, 1946, in Monterrey, Nuevo León, México, to Jose Rizo and Eufemia Rizo, both of whom preceded her in death. She married the love of her life, Reyes M. Gonzales, and together they shared an extraordinary 62 years of marriage. The two built a life and a home in Crane, where Victoria lived for 55 years in the same house, just a block or two from the elementary, middle, and high schools. That little detail mattered, because it meant a steady stream of kids always found their way to her door.

Victoria raised eight children and taught them, above all else, to be a close knit family no matter what challenges life threw their way. Her home was the neighborhood gathering place, where she fed a countless number of kids, grandkids, their friends, and just about anyone who walked through the door. Her famous burritos became the stuff of legend. Holidays were her time to shine, as Thanksgiving and Christmas brought the whole family together to enjoy her wonderful cooking.

She was incredibly kind, always opening her home to anyone who needed a place to stay or a helping hand. She loved to knit, and over the years she made countless throws, sweaters, and baby clothes for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She gave to her community in every way she could, always through the spirit of family and generosity.

Victoria was a devout Catholic whose faith was the foundation of everything she did. Her family takes comfort knowing she is now at peace in the arms of the Lord she served so faithfully throughout her life.

She is survived by her husband, Reyes M. Gonzales; her sons, Benito Gonzales Rizo, his Wife Cynthia and their Children Alexandra Renee, Anthony Ray and Hanser Alan; Javier Gonzales Rizo, his wife Daphne and their Children Brandon Anthony, Austin Gregory and Dallas Riley; Reyes Gonzales Rizo and his Children Poulet Ann, Teresa Jacklyn, Reyes III, Stephanie Nicole, Samantha Marie, Steven Edward and Jaelyn Nevaeh; Joe Luis Gonzales Rizo, his wife Arlinda and their children Joe Jacob and Jose John. David Gonzales Rizo, his wife Laura and their children Nathan David, Victoria Sue, Ryan Joseph, Isabella Rose, lan Aurelyus and Iliana Kay. Daughters; Elizabeth Gonzales Murguia and her husband Onofre and their children Andres, Onofre Jr, Gregery and Daniella Gracie Gonzales Nuño, her husband Jaime and their children Gracie, Fabian Michael, Christopher James, Karissa Nichole and Avarielle Lynn; Susie Gonzales Murguia, her husband Saul and their children Diana, Lucy, Sophia and Elisa; Gracie Enriquez and her daughter Luna; Her dear friend Lorenza Grado whom became like a daughter to her and sister to her children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The memorial service will take place Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with Father Kumar Jujjuvarapu officiating. Pallbearers will be Benito Gonzales, Javier Gonzales, Reyes Gonzales, Jose Luis Gonzales, David Gonzales, and Onofre Murguia.

The family wishes to thank their sister Betty, who took charge of their parents wellbeing and care and being there by her side to the last second, Susie for the weekends she was by her mother's side and being there close at all times, and Gracie for the weekends she spent by her mother's side. They will be forever grateful to Lorenza Grado, known to them as Lencha, and to all of Victoria's lifelong friends who were there to the very end, sharing stories and giving of their time to make their mother comfortable and her life more enjoyable.