Rudy Amezquita Gonzales, age 68, of Dawson, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 9th, 2025, at 5:35 a.m., after a brief battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was surrounded by love, his wife, and family. He will forever be cherished as our hero and live in our hearts.

Born on February 15th, 1957, in Austin, Texas, Rudy was the son of Sara Amezquita and Jesse Flores Gonzales. From a young age, he developed a passion for dance, starting with his mother and later participating in church events, community festivals, and family gatherings. At just 14 years old, Rudy began his professional career as a Ballroom Dance instructor. Over the years, he went on to open and operate several dance studios throughout the United States. Rudy’s love for dance was evident from the start. He began competing professionally at age 17, and by 19, he had won three National Dance Championship titles in American, International, and Theater Arts style dance. His career took him around the world, where he studied with top dance professionals and taught a variety of styles including Ballroom, Latin American, Country Western, and Tejano dance. He was proud of his role as the dance instructor for the National Tejano Music Convention in Las Vegas for several years. Rudy was certified with the National Dance Council of America and the National Dance Teachers Association, marking his career with accomplishments that earned him the respect of many in the dance world. Known for his enthusiasm and incredible talent on the dance floor, Rudy was not just an instructor but a beloved figure in the Tejano music community. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, and his contagious joy, witty sense of humor, and deep love for people and dance left a lasting impression on all who met him. Whether he was dancing or simply conversing with friends, Rudy’s confidence and big smile were always present. He truly was a master of both his craft and the art of bringing joy to others.

Rudy was also a man who believed in living life to the fullest. He never met a stranger and was always the first to introduce himself, always eager to meet new people. His love for life, music, dancing, fishing, traveling, and most of all, his family, defined him. Rudy had the biggest heart and would go out of his way to help people any way he could. He believed we only have one life, so he made each and every day count.

Rudy is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Scarlett Ribbon Robbins Gonzales; their children, Aubrey Robbins, Nathan Robbins, Paisley Robbins, and Mason Robbins; his daughter, Heather Renee Gonzales-Walton, son-in-law Eric Charles Walton Sr., and grandchildren, Lily Jane Gonzalez, Bella Nicole Gonzalez, and Eric Charles Walton Jr. He is also survived by Tim and Denise, whom he helped love and care for.

“His love was a light in our lives, and that love will continue to guide us.”

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Network are encouraged.