Aaron A. Leitz

April 10, 1978 ~ June 28, 2015

Aaron was born at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital on April 10th, 1978. He decided to make an appearance two weeks before his due date.

Aaron was in an accident on the North Wenas Road March 31st, 2015 and sustained a traumatic brain injury. He was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center and was in the Neurology ICU. His body was strong and he put up a good fight but passed away from complications of his injury at The Cottage in The Meadow on June 28, 2015.

Throughout his education, Aaron attended Selah schools. Aaron was never excited to start school like most kids. The first day of kindergarten he had to be pulled off the wall in the hallway outside his classroom. He obviously wasn’t ready that year so he spent an extra year with his mom and waited until the next year to start kindergarten. Aaron’s teachers always said “He is a pleasure to have in class”. He graduated from Selah High School with the class of 1997. Throughout his schooling, he made many lifelong friends. It was important to him to stay in touch with them, and many traveled to visit him during his hospitalizations.

He attended YVCC for several quarters.

Aaron loved his family. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his Grandma Leitz. He lived in a house on her property and she loved to cook and bake for him. His Mom asked him once if he wanted to move in with them to be closer to town and he said “I have to take care of Grandma”.

He loved his brothers Brian Button, Curtis and Rick Leitz and their families. Aaron was the favorite uncle and very protective of his nieces and nephews Danni and Jacob Button, Mylie, Piper, Layla and Gracelyn Leitz and Kaylee and London Leitz.

When any of his family members or friends needed anything, Aaron was only a call away. His female cousins always called Aaron first for help or advice; he was always there for them. He was a loyal friend to everyone and never met a stranger. He always had a kind heart.

Aaron was an avid reader. He could read four or five books in a weekend with a block of cheese and a bowl of salsa nearby to snack on.

Aaron loved to fish and go camping with his friends. One of his favorite places was the Little Naches. He also went bass fishing and ice fishing in the Selah ponds. He usually didn’t tell his folks about the ice fishing so they wouldn’t worry. On one trip with the family, Aaron’s older brother Curtis cast his line and accidentally caught Aaron in the throat. Aaron and his dad made an unscheduled trip into town to the Emergency Room to remove the hook then came back to the camp and finished out the trip.

He worked in several local grocery stores starting at Price Chopper in the video department during high school and later moved to the grocery store stocking shelves after his high school graduation.

Aaron was hired at Rosauers when the store opened nearly fourteen years ago and during his employment there worked his way up to grocery manager. Kris Abhold and the Rosauers crew became his second family. In everything he did, Aaron always went above and beyond. He was extremely detail oriented and during his time at Rosauers, he helped the team at the store win a number of awards.

Aaron loved to play practical jokes on his family, friends and co-workers. He would cut along the bottom of a box so when a co-worker picked it up, the bottom fell out and the contents ended up on the floor. Another time, he super glued a quarter to the floor under the pop machine so when someone tried to pick it up it wouldn’t budge. I am sure there are many other stories his Rosauers family could share.

The family gives many thanks to Pastor Jason from the Harvest Church for praying and visiting Aaron. We are at peace knowing that Aaron’s suffering is over and he’s with the Lord and family and friends who have preceded him in death.

Aaron is survived by his parents Barbara and Doug Button; brothers Brian Button, Curtis (Melissa) Leitz, Rick (Toni) Leitz; grandmother Diane Leitz; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins that he loved dearly. He especially enjoyed going over to visit his Aunt Robin and Uncle Dennis’ home to visit.

Aaron had a huge heart and loved his family and friends very much and the feelings are mutual. We all loved him and will miss him very much.

Aaron was preceded in death by grandpa Robert Leitz, grandmother Edna Button and cousins Kyle Diers and Bobby Leitz.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2015 at Rainier Memorial Center.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2pm, Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at West Side Church, 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima, WA following a family burial.

Memorial contributions in Aaron’s honor can be sent to the Cottage in The Meadow, 1208 S. 48th Ave., Yakima, WA 98908.

Rainier Memorial Center is entrusted with the arrangements.