Genara Gonzales

The matriarch of our family, Genara Gonzales, went to be with our Lord on the morning of February 21, 2026 in Abilene, TX. Over nine decades ago, this beloved mother, sister and aunt was born to her parents Casildo Abila and Virginia Martinez on July 10, 1929 in Jayton, TX.

Genara lived her early life alongside her six siblings which included two brothers and four sisters. With a life that spanned just under a century, Genara lived most of her life in small town Texas from Jayton to O’brien to Rhineland, to Ranger to Haskell, TX. During her pre-teen years our small framed Genara picked cotton and worked the fields across central and West Texas. With her family, Genara would also travel for migrant seasonal work to Colorado. They often slept in tents and traveled by horse wagon until the more efficient Doodlebug train cars became the preferred method of travel in the 1930s. Genara, with her siblings, would ride the trains, they would attend dances and outdoor drive-ins but with no cars. She often traveled by Doodlebug to their church in Knox City where she and her siblings received their sacraments.

As a young adult, Genara married Geronimo “Ciego” Gonzales in her mid twenties and eventually set roots in Haskell, TX. Together, they had four children. She eventually stopped working the fields and became a housewife. She continued to care for her grandchildren, nieces and nephews and neighborhood children. Several people remember her fondly as a fun caregiver who entertained them with her “pollitos” and with sips of cafecito. She was a trusted and vital part of her neighborhood who helped grow her community with her presence.

Genara will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by 2 children Juanita Rodriguez (Santos) and Ramon Gonzales; two sisters, Mary Aguirre and Delfina Castor; three grandchildren, Gina Martinez (John), Lisa Anderson (Jason), Michael Rodriguez (Jessica); nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

Genara was preceded in death by her husband, Geronimo; by four siblings, Lupe, Juan, Eugenio, and Lionicia; and by two sons Raul and Eugene; one grandson, Eugene Gonzales, Jr.

The visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Haskell, 304 N 2nd Street. Rosary is Thursday, February 26th at 6:00 p.m. at St. George Catholic Church in Haskell, TX. Funeral service is Friday, February 27 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church followed by a burial service at Willow Cemetery in Haskell, TX. 

Serving as pallbearers are Michael Rodriguez, Maximino Abila, John Houston Martinez, Anthony Cedillo, Isaiah Martinez, and Joshua Crayton.

The family would like to thank Willowcreek Rehab & Nursing Center and Big Country Hospice for their love and care.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.