Maria Escamilla Serna

On Tuesday Sept. 11, 2012, Maria Escamilla Serna joined her deceased loved ones in eternal bliss. Maria was born on March 2, 1928 in Repueblo de Oriente, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to Doroteo and Catarina Escamilla. In 1948 Maria migrated to the United States where she raised her family of 11 children as a single mother. In 1972 she moved her family to Royal City, WA where she lived two years before moving to Othello in 1974 where she settled her family making it her home. Maria devoted her life to her children, sacrificing so much to maintain their safety and security. She served as a loving sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother always putting others before her.

Maria was preceded in death by six siblings including her twin sister Luz Escamilla as well as her grandchild Josue Serna. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Lorenzo and Elvira Serna, Leonardo Serna, Leonel and Juanita Serna, Luciano Serna, Reynaldo and Carolina Serna, Rojelio Serna, Cain and Maria Elena Lopez, Toribio Serna Jr., Refujio Serna, Ruben Serna, and Rodrigo Serna. In addition to her loving children, she is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Maria was one of eight children, four sisters and three brothers. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Alvina and Lucas Garza and her sister Anita Garza.

Maria grew up strong, lived strong, and died happy. She had an enormous heart and a great sense of humor. She survived many trials and tribulations throughout her life, always coming out on top and unharmed and always making sure her children came out the same. In 1995 Maria realized a long time dream of becoming a United States citizen, receiving her Certificate of Naturalization. She accomplished so much while maintaining a healthy atmosphere for her family, providing for her children through her last days. Great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and sister….there are no words to describe how much she is loved and how much she will be missed.

Grandma, Mom, Sister, Tia: We, your family, will miss you so much. Know that we will continue on and keep you in our hearts forever. We will always work to make you proud of us. We know you will always be watching over us and we will always love you. Be at peace and rest now in your mansion in the sky.

A viewing was held at Stevens Funeral Home in Othello, Wash. on Friday, Sept. 14, 2012 from 12-3 pm for family and from 3-7 pm for the public with a rosary at 6 pm. Funeral services were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Othello, Wash. on Monday, Sept. 17, 2012 at 11:30 am with a reception at 1:30 pm in the basement of the church.