Frances Diaz Cerna

Frances was born September 17, 1938 in Morrill, Nebraska. Her family moved to Wyoming and then to the Yakima Valley. She raised seven children while working and attending college. At the age of 40, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education. She began teaching at Washington Jr. High School for 20 years. Then was the head of the Migrant Programs where she helped numerous families receive medical care and housing. Frances was a surrogate mom to so many of her students and area youth. She was always there to help others in need.

She is lovingly survived by her Husband Peter Cerna, sons Jesse and Richard Macias of Yakima, David Macias of Seattle, a granddaughter Ashley (Raul) Rodriguez of Renton, daughter Gerri (Steven) Buttrey of Selah. As well as numerous grandkids, great grandkids, nieces and nephews, sisters Josie (John) Moore, Mary Salazar, Sally Diaz and brother Pete Diaz.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Jesse Macias, daughter Patricia Thomas, sons Michael P. Macias, Tony Macias and granddaughter April N. Thomas.

A heartfelt thank you to Ziona, Zekie and Christopher for always helping with your grandma’s care.

A visitation for Frances will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home, 1010 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902. A funeral service will occur Friday, July 14, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church, 212 N 4th St, Yakima, WA 98901.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lepfuneralhome.com for the Cerna family.