Sarah Mary Vargas

In September 2020, Sarah was diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. For the following 10 months, Sarah fought to stay independent, up to her very last day.

Sarah was born in Denver, Colorado to Mr. and Mrs. Jesus Guevara. She grew up in Toppenish, Washington with her five brothers and three sisters. Sarah was the next to the youngest child of nine children. The children's names starting with the Eldest Brother; Marcelino, Daniel, Salvador, Victor, Samuel, Celia, Helen, and Mona. Sarah was the middle sister.

Sarah shared a lifelong friendship with her youngest sister Mona and had always felt blessed to have her sister as her best friend. She treasured their relationship greatly.

Wedding vows were exchanged on Saturday, May 17, 1958, and Sarah was married to Jose of Wapato, Washington, at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Toppenish. They moved to Seattle, Washington when Jose secured a job at Boeing, in Seattle, Washington. They were living amongst most of Sarah’s brothers and Jose’s brother Salvadore and her sister-in-law Margaret.

Sarah and Jose were married for 41 years until the passing of Jose in 1999. Sarah continued to live in Burien where their lifelong friends lived, and her family lived close by. Sarah moved to Renton 12 years ago; not far from her brother Sam and sister-law Lily. Sarah enjoyed a busy and family-oriented retirement and enjoyed a steady membership with the EAGLES for 25 years.

In 1983, Carmalinda and Don had twin boys. Sarah and Jose became Grandparents for the first time to Kyle and Travis. Several years later, Dorothy and Roger had a baby girl Ashley - (a day shy of Sarah’s birthday); and, then had another baby girl, Michelle, in December. Sarah and Jose became grandparents to Ashley and Michelle.

Wedding Bells 2015 – Hunter and Michelle were married – Mom had a new son-in-law, Hunter.

A New Blessing2016 – Michelle and Hunter were having a baby. Sarah would be a Great Grandma. Baby Madison was going to be born on the same birthday month as her Great Grandma. It was even almost the same day, but not quite.

Mom always said – “As long as my daughters, grandchildren, and my entire family were doing good, then all is well in the world.”

Even though Sarah was employed outside the home, she always liked being the "momma homemaker" the best. She always would have food on the stove cooking, making stacks of tortillas, and the smell of hot chilis roasting for homemade chili. The aroma was awesome! Friends would always want to stay to eat. When it was time for mom to go out and work, she taught us how to do the stacks of tortillas, the rice and beans, and some of our other favorites. Mom was so happy to teach her granddaughter Michelle how to make our favorite foods - enchiladas, rice, and beans. “ Thank you, Mom, for teaching us how to cook your special dishes in honor of you. Thank you for all the holidays, summer fun, birthday parties, and being there for us every day of our lives. Thank you mom for all your care, time, and love; and for giving us wonderful family memories. We will forever remember your tender and selfless love and care for all of us.

Message to Mom- Mom, we will miss you more than you will know, but we know you are free and watching over us. We are forever grateful for all the love and care you gave us throughout the years, and we are filled with gratitude that you are our mom. Rest in Peace Mom, until we meet again. Our family is eternally grateful and feel blessed to have an amazing and loving mom. Your family loves you and will miss you. - Mary, John, Dorothy, Roger, Carmalinda, Kyle, Travis, Ashly, Cole, Michelle, and Madison; and sister Mona and family. The additional family includes sister-in-law -Lily, nieces, and nephews of her brothers and sisters.

Our family is eternally grateful and gives our heartfelt thank you to the Adult Family home - A. Neema Gilead LLC, in Auburn Washington. Homeowner and care provider Alice Kabii, care provider Phobe, and Gracie. These women took such great care of mom, praying for her, singing to her, and giving her excellent 24-hour care. They will forever be family.

Sarah is survived by her three daughters and their families: Mary, John, and Dorothy, Roger, Ashley, Cole, Michelle, Madison, and Carmalinda, Kyle, Travis. The additional family includes Sarah’s sister Mona and family, sister-in-law -Lily, nieces, and nephews of her brothers and sisters.

Sarah was proceeded in death by her husband, Jose L. Vargas; Parents Jesus Guevara, Theresa Guevara; Brothers Marcelino. Daniel, Salvador, Victor, and Samuel; Sisters Celia, and Helen

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He has me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters. He revives my soul; He guides me on paths of righteousness for His glory. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no harm, For you are with me ... Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall abide in the house of the Lord forever.

*And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. – John 14:3

“Our mom gave us the greatest gift anyone could give another person, she believed in us.”