Faye Maxine Gonzales Obituary (1949 - 2026)

Faye M. Gonzales (Trull), born January 19, 1949, in Buffalo, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026. She was a woman of strength, compassion, and quiet resilience whose presence touched countless lives. Faye spent her childhood in the wide-open spaces of South Dakota and Washington, growing up surrounded by horses and a deep love for her family. She developed an early passion for riding and carried that love with her throughout her life. As a young child, Faye faced and overcame the challenges of polio—a testament to the perseverance and courage that would become hallmarks of her character. She went on to pursue her calling in nursing, attending Yakima Valley Community College (YVCC), where she not only built the foundation for a lifelong career but also met her husband, Bobby Gonzales. Faye and Bobby were married in 1968 in Kauai and eventually returned to Yakima to complete her education and begin her nursing career. Faye dedicated more than 40 years of her life to nursing, serving primarily as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Room at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. She was known for her exceptional skill, steady presence, and, above all, her deep compassion. Faye cared for hundreds of patients over the course of her career, always offering not just medical expertise but kindness, empathy, and genuine human connection. Throughout her years in the emergency room, Faye formed lasting friendships with her colleagues—relationships she deeply valued and cherished. Many of these friendships spanned decades and were among her most treasured relationships. Her coworkers remember her as not only an outstanding nurse but also a trusted friend and source of strength and support. She also enjoyed traveling and annual beach trips with several of her closest friends. Faye was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, David (Karyn) Gonzales and Tyra (Manuel) Villafan; her beloved grandchildren, Kaylah, Ahlaya, Michael, Xavier, Bella, and Manuel; and her great-grandchild, Nakoa. She is also survived by her younger brother, Larry Trull, and her younger sister, Betts Berry. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lois Estes, and her older brother, Jim Trull. Faye found great joy in her family. She was an avid reader of mysteries and always had a book with her wherever she went, a passion she shared with her granddaughter. She also loved watching her granddaughter play basketball, hosting sleepovers, going on shopping trips, and sharing her lifelong passion for horses—eventually inspiring her granddaughter to learn to ride. She could talk about horses for hours, a reflection of a love that began in her childhood and never faded. In her later years, Faye often expressed her deep gratitude for the love of her family and took comfort in having her loved ones close. She knew she was deeply loved, and she returned that love wholeheartedly. If you would like to join family and friends in remembering Faye, please join us for a celebration of life on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:00 PM at Catholic Charities in the Darlene Darnell Legacy Room, 5301 W. Tieton Drive Suite A Yakima, WA 98908. A map and instructions for accessing the meeting space will be posted once you arrive to the event. Faye will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of compassion, strength, and kindness will live on in the many lives she touched.