GONSALO ORTIZ CERNA SR Gonsalo passed peacefully into rest and reward on May 16, 2014, at Kennewick Life Care Center. He was born June 14, 1922, in the State of Michoacan in Mexico to Tomas and Felicitas Cerna as one of 16 children. The family relocated to Wyoming early in his life and eventually settled in Toppenish, Washington, where they farmed and ran a store. Gonsalo married Consuelo Cruz in 1943. Their first four children were born to them during their time in the Yakima Valley. In 1960, the family moved to Connell, Washington, and Gonsalo continued farming in that area. They were surprised by an additional child to complete the family. He will be consigned to the Earth that he nurtured and coaxed to produce a bounty of outstanding crops and was well respected for his expertise. He received the title of "Beet King" one year. He was a member of American Legion Post #195 and the Lions Club. He served a term as a Councilman for the City of Connell. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as long as the accommodations were adequate. He was preceded in death by his wife Consuelo (Connie), his parents and all but 4 of his siblings. His long-time companion Crystal Dagley also went before him. He is survived by his brother Albert (Lupe) of Dixon CA and sisters Esther (Fausto) Cruz and Katherine Martinez, both of Moses Lake WA, and Lupe Taffoya of Toppenish WA; his children Isabel (Jim) Crowley and Gonsalo Jr. (Gail), both of Connell WA, Thomas Raymond (Connie) of Dixie WA, Josephine (John) Lierman of Cle Elum WA, and Steven (Sylvia) of Kent WA; his 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren with another on the way; a plethora of nieces and nephews and many young men who called him "Tio" out of respect and love. A viewing will be on Wednesday, May 21st, 2014, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a recitation of the Rosary beginning at 6:30pm, both at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home at 1608 W. Court St. in Pasco WA. Cremation will follow. An internment ceremony is planned for June 14, 2014, at Mountain View Cemetery in Connell at 12:00pm with a final Birthday Barbeque and Celebration of Life afterwords at the Connell Community Center, 211 E. Elm St., Connell WA from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.