Candace Marie Gonzalez of Rogersville, Missouri, passed away December 29, 2023, in Springfield, Missouri. She was born on April 2, 1989, in Montclair, California, to John and Dedira Gonzalez.

Candace had a Heart of Gold! In her 34 years of life, she taught basketball as a coach in the Rogersville area. She lived her life in Seymour until 2016 when she moved to Rogersville, where she was raising her 5 children. She always had a passion for the elderly, working in 2 nursing facilities. She was Lead Manager at Buckingham’s in Springfield for 5 years, until she got sick with a muscle disorder which she fought for many years.

She is survived by her parents John and Dedira Gonzalez; 5 children, Constance Valdez, Brooklyn Valdez, Jeremiah Valdez, John Valdez, and Miraclee Taft; fiancé, Dominuque Taft of 10 years; siblings, Tommie Gonzalez (Tracie) of Republic, Anne Owens (Justin) of Fordland, Rosemary Dotson (Taylor) of Rogersville, and Britney Miller (Lynn) of Marshfield; paternal grandparents, John Gozalez of Apple Valley and Barbara Gonzalez of Moreno Valley; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, along with several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Tom Long and Helen Johnson; her Aunt Debra, cousin Tiffany and cousin Gonzalo.

The visitation will be held Friday, January 5, 6:00-8:00 PM, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. The service will be Saturday, January 6, 1:00 PM, also at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, with the graveside following at Palmetto Cemetery, Rogersville, Missouri.