Mary Paula Aragon

Maria Pabla “Mary Paula” Aragon
November 16, 1935 - September 17, 2026

Maria Pabla (Navarette) Aragon, lovingly known as Mary Paula Aragon, lived 90 years guided by her faith and her love for family and friends. She expressed that love through thoughtful actions, took pride in her family’s accomplishments, and welcomed friends as family. On September 17, 2026, Mary was called home to our Lord, surrounded by family at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington.

Mary was born on November 16, 1935, in Crowley, Colorado, to Juanita (Ortega) Navarette and Pablo (Paul) Navarette. She grew up in a two-room home as one of 12 children, experiences that helped shape the strength, determination, faith, and devotion to family that would define her life.

After marrying the love of her life, Ramon “Frank” Aragon of Sugar City, Colorado, and
welcoming their first son, the young family relocated to the Yakima Valley in early 1955. Like many families in the area, Mary worked in the fields harvesting beets, mint, potatoes, grapes, and other crops, often alongside family, friends, and her children. She also worked at the cannery in Toppenish, canning fruits and vegetables.

Among the first families Mary and Frank met in the Yakima Valley were Martin and Maria
Gonzalez. Their daughter, Maria, and her husband, Ramon Gonzales, soon became close
friends and later godparents to Mary and Frank’s next three children. The families shared many happy times together, often gathering for a game of Rummy.

Mary and Frank also became friends with Celestino and Eva Villanueva, who encouraged
them to involve their three oldest children in Mexican folk dancing through St. Aloysius
Catholic Church and local fiestas. These friendships became part of a lifelong connection to the community, culture, and faith that meant so much to Mary.

A job change and training later moved the family, now with four children, first to Pasco and then to Seattle. Mary and Frank raised their children - Ramon Jesus, Patsy Judith, Julian Pete Lee, and Maria Torivia - with a strong foundation of family and faith.

After their children were grown, Mary and Frank opened La Casa de Aragon restaurant in
Sedro-Woolley, Washington. They later returned to the Yakima Valley, where Mary always
enjoyed the warmer weather, though she also found joy in playing in the winter snow.

Mary never allowed fear or circumstance to keep her from experiencing life. The young
woman who grew up in a two-room home as one of 12 children went places she never
imagined she would see. She was terrified the first time she flew on an airplane, but she did it anyway. She was afraid of huge roller coasters, but she rode them anyway. In her 60s, she proudly earned her GED.

Her faith was her lifeline. She lived for her family, and to Mary, friends often became family too. She showed her love in many ways, but especially through food. Those fortunate enough to sit at her table may remember her homemade tortillas, tamales, tacos, enchiladas, and fried bean burritos.

Mary also had a deep appreciation for the arts. Although she did not play an instrument
herself, she loved listening to music of all kinds, from mariachi and Hispanic oldies to rock and roll. She often said Chubby Checker was her favorite. If the music was good enough to sing or dance to, Mary was ready to join in.

She also loved drawing and coloring with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren,
creating simple moments that became lasting memories.

Always a social butterfly, Mary stayed busy visiting family and friends and participating in the many church celebrations throughout the Yakima Valley. She was well known within the Catholic communities of White Swan, Toppenish, and Wapato and remained in contact with Fathers Bill and John Shaw on both sides of the Cascades.

Those who knew Mary will remember the homemade tortillas, the music she loved to sing and dance to, and the afternoons spent drawing and coloring with her grandchildren. She expressed her love through thoughtful actions, spoke proudly of her family, and celebrated their accomplishments, no matter how small. They will remember her determination to keep going, her willingness to help others, and the faith that carried her through life. Her family and friends will carry with them not only these memories, but the feeling of being loved and appreciated by her.

Mary lived to the age of 90, spending her final years in the care of her grandson, LaQuan
Aragon.

Mary is survived by her three children, Ramon Aragon, Patsy Connors, and Maria Millard;
her three brothers, Ruben, Dimas, and Robert; her three sisters, Mary Lou, Geneva, and
Juanita (Jenny); 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita and Pablo Navarette; her beloved
husband, Frank; her brothers David, Rubio, and Genaro; her sisters Corina and Angie; her
son Julian; her grandchildren Christina Ann and Craig; and her great-grandson David.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary’s life.

Rosary and Viewing
Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Shaw & Sons Funeral Home
201 N. 2nd St., Yakima, WA 98901

Funeral Mass
Monday, October 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
1707 S. 3rd Ave., Yakima, WA 98902

Burial
Monday, October 5, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.
Reservation Community Memorial Park
5161 W. Wapato Rd., Wapato, WA 98951