Kuniko Tafoya Obituary (2024)

Kuniko (Murayama) Tafoya, 91, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 24, 2024, after battling Alzheimer's for more than 20 years. Born on February 8, 1933, in Kumamoto Japan, she was the second of 10 children. In 1958, Kuniko married John Tafoya in Yokohama, Japan. They then moved to Oceanside, California, where she and John had two children, Steve (Patty) and Carla (Michael) Barney. In 1970, they moved their family to Yakima, and settled in the West Valley area. Kuniko was the best mother and grandmother one could ask for. She had an unending amount of love for her family. Her three grandchildren Lauryl, Katherine, and Tony, were the light of her life. She delighted in spoiling and entertaining them with her humor, time and kindness, and they loved her like a second mother. Kuniko enjoyed spending time with her Japanese friends, lunching, watching movies and enjoying each other's company, as she was the humorous one who kept everyone laughing. Mom and dad loved to travel, going to Japan many times, as well as Hawaii, Las Vegas, and many other of their favorites. She will be so very missed by all. Kuniko is survived by her son, Steve (Patty) and their children Tony, Tyler (Jenna), Jamie, and Elliot(Alexa); her daughter, Carla, (Michael), and their children Lauryl (Rolando), Katherine, Aaron (Trinity) and Alicia (Andrew); great-grandchildren, Noah, Avi, Xander, Corbin, Bryce, Callie, Eston, Austin, Angus and Ava, and her sisters, Akie, Meiko and Haruko. She is preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, and several siblings. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home (201 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, WA), with an inurnment to follow at West Hills Memorial Park (11800 Douglas Rd, Yakima, WA). A Reception will follow. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.shawandsons.com.