Carol Ann Gonzales, 68, was born Carol Ann Smith in Kenneth, Kansas on July 21, 1948 and grew up a mid-western farm girl in Natoma, Kansas. She took her last earthly breath at 12:53 pm on November 24, 2016, a beautiful Thanksgiving Day with her daughter Michelle and beloved granddaughter Desiree by her side.

An amazing mother, "mamaw", sister, aunt and friend, Carol was fearless in spite of the many challenges that affected her health. Whether it was her daily trips to the pool for her exercise sessions or her weekly meet up on Fridays with Friends at the Denton Senior Center, Carol knew that events such as these were a much needed lifeline to the active life she so craved.

Carol had an unwavering passion for her grandkids and even her grandpets. Simple acts such as picking Gabriel and Desiree up from school or being surrounded in bed by several sleeping animals gave her such joy. The constant jokes and occasional political banter were a daily occurrence in the house that she shared with her daughter, son-in-law, grandkids, five cats and two dogs. There was never a dull moment!

Carol is survived by her ex-husband Phil Gonzales, their daughter Michelle Aponte, son-in-law Jose Aponte and their two children Gabriel and Desiree. She is also survived by her sister Linda Wilson and her husband Gary Pelton along with their children Nicole Station and Brian Wilson; her younger brother Dwayne Smith and his wife Stacy Smith along with their two children Adam Smith and Alison Twomey; and her oldest brother Kenneth Smith and his wife Jerry Smith.

Carol was preceded in death by her loving parents Marvin and Esther Smith and Carol's beloved dog "Mr. B".

A memorial service celebrating Carol's life will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm at DeBerry Funeral home in Denton, Texas.

As an alternative to flowers, friends and family have the option to send contributions in Carol's memory to: Denton Animal Shelter 3717 N. Elm Denton, TX 76207.