Fredina Ray Gonzales

Fredina Ray Gonzales

Fredina Ray Gonzales, age 67, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Mo. She was born Nov. 17, 1956 in Albuquerque, N.M., the daughter of Clay C. Canon and Carolyn K. Kepley Canon.

She met the love of her life and true soulmate David Gonzales in Las Cruces, N.M. and married in

1974. They had a wonderful life journey together, relocating to Fort Scott and expanding their family with three children; Chasidy, Mikhail, and Danica.

Fredina devoted her life to loving and caring for her family and was steadfast in her faith in God. She opened her arms and heart to all around her, welcoming them into her home, feeding everyone her home cooked meals, with her special ingredient of “made with love.”

While working for the public schools, she was a beacon of warmth and compassion. With a heart as vast as the sky, she was dedicated in her career of transporting children with disabilities, guiding them with patience, nurture, and understanding. Fredina’s love knew no limits, she extended her kindness to the elderly at Medical Lodge, becoming a cherished friend to those in their twilight years. She spent hours listening to their stories, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and offering comfort with her gentle presence. In Fredina, the world found a rare gem—a soul who saw the value in every individual, regardless of age or ability. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, leaving behind a trail of love and compassion that continues to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Fredina was a big sister to her family in New Mexico, offering unwavering love, understanding, and guidance along the way, both in triumphs and trials of their lives. Her presence brought comfort in times of uncertainty and joy in moments of celebration. Her infectious laughter and boundless optimism brightened even the darkest of days. She was a source of strength and inspiration, a beacon of hope and resilience. Her legacy of love and compassion will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were touched by her grace. She will be greatly missed by her children, family, and friends.

Survivors include her three children, Chasidy Sharp (Michael) of Louisburg, Kan., Mikhail Gonzales (Danielle) of Fort Scott and Danica Gonzales of Olathe, Kan.; 12 grandchildren, Marissa, Max, Miya, Immanuel, Mikiylah, Jalynn, Marcus, Jeremiah, Hallie, Alexis, Alianis, and Anastasia; a sister, Valerie Martinez and her children; Jason Martinez, Diane Canon, Raymond Martinez of Fort Scott and a brother, Eddie Gallegos of New Mexico and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her brother and sister-in-laws; Elizabeth Bernal, Rachel Bernal-Flores, Christina (Reuben) Archuleta, Arthur (MaryAnn) Bernal, Donald (Dolores) Gonzales and Michael Bellman, all of Las Cruces, N.M.

Fredina was preceded in death by her parents, her granddaughter, Ava, and her husband, David Gonzales.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date at the Dayton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.