Stella Louise Castaneda

Stella was born on June 25, 1951 in Yakima, WA to Rose D. Tabayoyon and Louis G. Castaneda. She was raised and educated in Wapato, graduated with the class of 1969. In 1970, she married Sherman R. Frazier and their first daughter Rosanne was born in November. She took great pride in being a mom, in fact she loved the full time job and had another baby girl in February of 1972. Sadly, the baby passed away. However, in July of 1973 she was blessed with another beautiful daughter, Micayla. Her daughters were her life and she taught them how to live, how to work, and most of all how to love. Her love was unconditional and there are no words to describe what she instilled in myself and my little sister.

She set great examples with all her work ethics and accomplishments. She worked as a CNA and also worked a number of years with the Wapato School District. She was an excellent cook. Liked to dance and loved to read. Mom also had an opened door for anyone in need. There were never any strangers to her and from this, she gained many friends. Her most favorite pastime was just spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but she cherished the fact that she was able to raise her grandson Louis as her own.

One thing that Mom had was faith. She was a practicing Catholic and on September 4, 2004 she became an associate of the Sisters of the Holy Names Jesus and Mary. She continued to practice her faith and she helped with Alter Servers and CRE classes at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church until her health started to decline. This was a clear sign that one of God’s angels was getting tired and was preparing to receive wings. Even though she had a number of health issues she always had a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her mother Rose D. Brestar Nunez (Alberto) of Wapato; daughters, Rosanne M. Zavala (Jose Luis) and Micayla L. Aguilar (Francisco) both of Wapato; her brothers, Louis G. Castaneda Jr. of Yakima, Victor J. Castaneda and Daniel V. Castaneda (Esmeralda) both of Wapato; her sisters, Monica R. Teeters of Wapato and Annette M. Lennon (Kevin) of Maple Valley, WA.; grandchildren, Louis F. Aguilar, Jacob R. Castaneda, Anthony J. Aguilar, Amanda M. Aguilar, Joshua M. Aguilar, Adrian L. Zavala and Kayla L. Kerrigan; her great-grandchildren, Nadia E. Aguilar, Jhett O. Aguilar, Marvel A. Aguilar, Nathaniel J. Castaneda, Aiden A. Badonie, Paityn K. Badonie, and Zoee G. Badonie. She is also survived by many extended family, friends, and the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary. Stella was preceded in death by her father, Louis G. Castaneda; a brother, Anthony J. Castaneda; her infant daughter, Sherry R. Frazier; and her grandparents John and Nora Tabayoyon with whom Stella was very close with.

Our family would like to thank Yakima Regional Medical Center, Dr. Steve Taylor, Dr. Sajal Kumar, Dr. Dave Atteberry, Yakima Nation AAOA, A-1 Transportation, Yakima Regional Hospice, Union Gap Davita, especially nurses Jill and Stacey, and everyone else that we failed to mention for the extra care that was provided to Stella. Special thanks also to Kim Lunning for her services.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at Merritt Funeral Home, with a Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25th, 2013 at All Tribes Christian Center located at the intersection of Hwy 97 and Progressive Road in Wapato.