Louise Farias

WAPATO - Louise Farias was born on December 22, 1940 in Loveland, Texas. After 10 years of fighting cancer she went to be with the Lord on March 31, 2014 at the age of 73. She was surrounded by her family and friends. Louise at the age of 2 years moved from Texas with her mother and made Wapato her home for 71 years. She was very involved in the church and the community. She will be remembered for her smile and warmth she gave to everyone she met.

Growing up in a migrant family, she worked in the fields to help the family. She wanted a better life for her family so she went to work for Bailey’s and became a manager and a union rep. After 20 years being employed with Bailey’s, she went to work for EPIC Head Start as a Parent Educator. She also taught ESL to many of the families here in the lower valley. She received her Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University in 2000. Being an independent, adventurous person, she has traveled all over the world.

She is survived by her son Antonio P. Alvarez of Wapato, daughter Elizabeth L. Martinez of Wapato, three grandchildren, Aaron, Israel & Michael Martinez of Wapato. She also leaves behind four brothers, Jesse (Mary) Farias, Arnulfo Jr, Jackie (Sheila) and Clyde (Clancey) Valdez, all of Wapato. She is also survived by seven sisters, Toni Farias of Yakima, Rosie Estrada of Seattle, Juanita Valdez of Yakima, Delores (Carlos) Capetillo of Toppenish, Carmen (Mark) Fitzgibbon of Bellingham, Ofie McConville of Wapato, and Stevie (Greg) Valdez of Wapato. She is preceded in death by her parents Arnulfo & Aurora Valdez, brother Mario Valdez, sister-in-law Vickie Valdez, brother-in-law Matt McConville, brother-in-law Walter Fitzgibbon and nephew Arnulfo (Chepito) Valdez, III.

We would like to thank the staff at North Star for providing wonderful care, and Shelby from Hospice.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:30 at Merritt Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be Friday, April 4, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. Merritt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.