Johanna Theresa Senator

Johanna Theresa Senator, a proud member of the Yakama Nation died at the age of 73 at her home in Brownstown, WA on Friday, April 12, 2013. She was born on May 25, 1939 in Yakima to Willie Senator and Ida Sappallel. Johanna was raised in Wiley City by her grandparents and attended the Ahtanum Mission School.

Johanna was married to the late Phillip Queampts and they made their home in Brownstown. She was a member of the Shaker Church and the Wapato Longhouse. Johanna was an elected official of the Code of Ethics Board for the Yakama Nation and was also a member and vice chairwoman of the Treaty Day Committee. She was very active in politics for her people of the Yakama Nation. Johanna’s favorite job was raising her grandchildren to be proud members of the Yakama Nation.

Johanna loved horses and was the first native women to participate in horse racing in the Omak Stampede and had a wonderful collection of horse memorabilia. Her other hobbies included eating chinese food, bead working, she was passionate about root digging and attending pow-wows and rodeos throughout the state, and she was a missionary for the Shake Religion.

She is survived by her children Becky (Glen) Thompson, Leon Thompson, Kathleen (Steven) Thompson, Ann Marie Thomas, Gail (Gene) Tia Mak Mak, Tracy (Gary) Tia Mak Mak and Samatha Morrison; 22 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Other surviving family members include Frank Miller, Juanita Wallahee, Jerry Meninick, Virgil and Julia Lewis, Evans Lewis Jr., Verneta Phillips, Harris and Gail Teo, Kip and Linda Ramsey, and all other members of the Senator, Phillips, Thompson, and Lewis families. Johanna is also survived by her very close friends Alta Sanchey, Marie Olney, Caroline Stahi, and Moni Law.

Johanna was preceded in death by her parents; two infant children; her husband Phillip; and her brother Seymour Senator.

A Dressing Service was held on Monday, April 15, 2013 at the Satus Shaker Church with Waashat and Shaker Services following. The Burial Service will be held at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at the Yesmowit Cemetery in White Swan.

Merritt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.