Roy Knoeb

Roy Knoeb of Wapato, 87, passed away Saturday March 3, 2012 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born in Aberdeen, Montana on September 20, 1924 to Leopoldo and Cleotilde (Jinzo) Knoeb. He was raised in Wyoming and then as a young man joined the U. S. Army where he served 3 years during WWII. After leaving the Army, he moved to Washington State where he met and married Rita Castillo on July 12, 1947.

Roy enjoyed fishing throughout Washington State, going to the casino, and most of all having family and friends over for BBQ’s. Even though he was cooking, he had to have his fried chicken from one of the local grocery stores.

Roy is survived by his wife of 64 years Rita Knoeb of Wapato; daughters Jeannie (Donald) Espinoza, Susie (Martin) Estrada, Nellie (Andy) Ozuna, Virginia Ashby all of Wapato, Marylou (Salvador) Chavez, Rosie Corona both of Toppenish; son Roy Knoeb Jr. of Union Gap; sister Della Knoeb of Santa Cruz, CA.; and brothers Lawrence (Sally) Knoeb of Bellevue, Joseph (Genoveva) Hernandez of Toppenish, and Ernest Knoeb of Pennyslvania. Roy was also the proud grandfather to 23 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful care given to Roy by Yakima Regional Hospice staff.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-laws Troy Ashby and Beto Corona; one grandson “Hoss”; three great-grandchildren; two brothers and four sisters.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00, Thursday, March 8, 2012 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato, with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00, March 9, 2012 at St Peter Claver Catholic Church, Wapato. Burial will follow at Reservation Community Memorial Park. A potluck dinner will follow at the Wapato Convention Center.

Arrangements under the direction of Merritt Funeral Home, Wapato, WA.