Maria Aurora Ramirez

Maria Ramirez, age 86, passed away peacefully at home in Grandview, Washington, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Mission, Texas to Maria Bazaldua and Mateo Cantu. As a child she lived in Texas and California before eventually settling in Sunnyside, Washington, where she built her life and raised her family.

Maria married Fortino Ramirez and together they raised nine children: Chano, Steve, Clara, Peter, Mary, Lucy, Sara, Tino, and Marcel. She was blessed with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren who adored her deeply.

Warm, strong willed, humorous, and fiercely devoted to her family, Maria lived with a spirit that was unmistakably her own. She loved traveling and made many cherished trips to Santa Maria, California to visit her mother and sisters. She also spent time living in North Carolina with her daughter Lucy, creating memories that her family still treasures.

Maria enjoyed family gatherings, cooking, and listening to traditional music. Tough and independent, she never allowed herself to be bossed around. She worked as a cook at the Old Stockman Restaurant in Yakima and several other restaurants, earning respect for her hard work and determination.

Maria was a fighter until the very end. When doctors told her she didn’t have long to live, she surprised everyone by walking out of the hospital and spending two more meaningful weeks at home with her family. She was preceded in death by her mother, and her sons Steve and Peter.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering family devotion. Rest in eternal peace, Mom.

Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.shawandsons.com.