Rita Gonzales Lares

Rita was born October 13, 1952 in San Antonio, Texas. The middle of four siblings, Rita would eventually come to Los Angeles, California before settling in Long Beach. She was an employee for the Long Beach Unified School District for over 23 years, retiring in 2005. Most recently she was the office manager for Long Beach based Main Street Realtors.

Rita was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, spending countless games cheering the team on with her family by her side. A life long dream of attending Dodgers Spring Training came true in 2015. Rita loved to travel and shared many adventures and happy memories with her love and companion, Mario Rodriguez.

Nothing meant more to Rita than her family. She enjoyed cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting and school events. She was lovingly known as "Nina" or godmother, to her nieces and nephews. She was a devoted sister and friend. She loved holidays and family gatherings as they were opportunities to share laughter and stories. Rita was funny, kind and generous. She was always the first to answer when anyone needed her, no matter how small the request.

Rita is survived by her daughter Dawn Lomeli (Alex); grandchildren, Samantha Cardenas, Analisa Lomeli and Noah Lomeli; siblings Rose Marie Cantu, Sylvia Gonzales, Eddie Gonzales and her love and companion Mario Rodriguez. She was preceded in death by Andrew Lares and her parents Erineo Gonzales and Caroline Cruz.

Those joining the family in celebrating her life, are encouraged to wear Dodgers attire or blue.

Arrangements under the direction of All Souls Mortuary, Long Beach, CA.