Solana G. Garza

Solana G. Garza, 86 years of age, went home to be with the lord on Feb. 15, 2016 surrounded by her loved ones. Solana was born June 26, 1929 in Bishop, Texas, daughter to Juan Garza and Romana Vela. She was the sixth in her family of eight.

On the 21st day of Dec. 1955 she married Isabel Soto Garza in Texas. Together they made a home in Wapato in the early 60’s where they lived the rest of their lives.

Solana was a devoted wife and mother. She had a compassionate and loving heart. Solana is survived by her son Ruben G. Garza, her daughter in law Anastacia, her fo

Viviano Ramirez Jr., 61, passed away on January 1, 2016 at Yakima Regional Medical Center in Yakima, WA. He was born on May 27, 1954 in Raymondville, TX to Viviano and Anselma (Vasquez) Ramirez Sr.

Viviano graduated from Wapato High School with the class of 1973. He married the love of his life Margarita Mendoza in 1974 and had just completed their 41st anniversary on October 2015.

He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren especially during the holidays and family reunions. He enjoyed farming, outdoors and his roosters. Viviano especially loved the times spent being with his son Johnny as they shined and pampered their classic cars together. His family will always remember how they both said they were “one.” Johnny preceded him in death and we feel especially comforted knowing that he is there in Paradise to welcome our Dad home.

Viviano had a great sense of humor, couldn’t keep a straight face and would break out in laughter when telling his jokes. The family will always remember his love of family and the honor in which he carried out his role as our Dad.

He is survived by his loving wife Margarita; daughters Monica Ramirez, Isabel Mendoza (Andres), Maria (Juan) Lopez, Gabriela ( Hugo) Aguirre and Esther Ramirez; sons Viviano (Tracy) Ramirez III, Jesse (Patricia) Ramirez, Moises Ramirez, Jose Ramirez, David Ramirez and Diego Ramirez; Johnny’s fiancé Leticia Navejas; sisters Manuela Ramirez, Angela Ramirez, Yolanda Ramirez (Silvester) Aguilar and Rose Mary (Salvador) Lamas and 14 grandchildren. Viviano was preceded in death by his parents Viviano Sr. and Anselma, and son Johnny.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 6, 2016 from 4-8 pm at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato, WA. A funeral service will be on Thursday January 7, 2016 at 11 am at Merritt Funeral Home with interment to follow at Reservation Community Memorial Park west of Wapato.

ur grandchildren, Jesse, Anabel, Ruben Jr., and Dora Jean Garza, and seven great grandchildren, Jaden, Blake, Aurelio, Eva, Isabella, Roxanne and Bayley.

Solana was reunited with all of her seven siblings, Flumencio Garza, Porflvio Garza, Uno Garza, Claudio Garza, Jeremias Garza, Virgina Gomez and Juanita Perez.

Solana was an aunt to many who loved her dearly. She had a passion for the church where she served as Treasurer for Berea for twenty years, 1967-1987.

Solana also was a secretary in the Women’s Auxiliary. She served with an open heart for her church singing and administrating.

Solana enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and working in the cotton, mint and beet fields. Many memories of her include gardening and making tamales with all the ladies at the Berea. She loved to sing songs from the radio and church, which you would hear her doing daily after her morning prayers.

Her viewing will be held at Merritt Funeral Home, 218 W. 3rd St. in Wapato on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016 from 3 pm - 7 pm. There will be a service on Friday, February 19th at Temple Christiano Church at 10 am, 102 E. 5th St., Wapato. The burial services will follow at the Reservation Memorial Park, 5161 W. Wapato Road, Wapato to give our final farewells. May you rest in peace, mom and grandmother. Solana we love you always and forever.

To share a memory of Solana, please visit www.merrittsfuneralhome.com.