Melida Luna Obituary (1950

Melida V. Luna, 63, passed away Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 at Regional Hospital in Yakima. She was born Maria Melida Valenzuela on March 13th, 1950 in Elsa, Texas to Luis and Cruz Valenzuela. In 1973 she married German Luna and they established their lives together in Yakima, Washington. Melida enjoyed a diverse career where she was employed in all aspects of the work force. In the beginning, she worked in the agriculture fields in California, Idaho, and parts of Washington. She was a pharmacy assistant at Regional Hospital as well as a ward clerk at Memorial Hospital. Melida also worked as a seamstress at Bailey's in addition to sorting asparagus in warehouses. She worked for a travel agency and was even employed to do agricultural research. In the early 1980's, Melida began her career in the legal field as a receptionist in different associations throughout the city of Yakima. She worked as a legal assistant for private law firms as well as for judges in the area. Melida finished her career employed as a paralegal at Bothwell and Hamill where she enjoyed 10 years with the firm. Melida and German were married for 40 years. They raised two wonderful children named Antonio and Noelia. After retiring earlier than expected, she was grateful to have more time to spend with her two grandbabies. She had so much love for "her babies" and enjoyed every opportunity to spoil them. Even though she became weak, seeing the grandchildren always lifted her spirits and were her biggest pride and joy. Melida had a huge heart and always held a special place for her many nieces and nephews. We were always amazed that she could remember every family members' birthday. She loved her big family very much and always enjoyed getting together for family barbeques, weddings, dances, and all other special events. Melida loved to travel throughout the years on road trips to Mt. Rainier and the Oregon coast every summer. Other loves included reading, writing, watching true story dramas whether it was TV or movies, and of course, rooting for the Seahawks during the games with her family. To get out of the house, she enjoyed spending time at local casinos and treating the dealers as a second family. Even when she would get a losing hand at the tables, she loved visiting and getting to know the dealers and other players. Mom always did all she could to make others happy. Making others smile is what brought her happiness more than anything. We are all going to miss her beautiful face and smile but it will never be forgotten. Above all this, her strong powerful hugs will be the most difficult to go without. Thank you for everything you've done for us. We love you and miss you MOM. Melida is survived by her husband German Luna of Yakima, son Antonio Luna of Yakima, daughter Noelia Luna of Bothell, two grandchildren: Bella and Anthony as well as surviving brothers: Luis Valenzuela Jr., Valdemar Valenzuela, and Valdomero Valenzuela all of Granger, WA. Three sisters: Alicia Ramirez of Portland, OR, Natividad Guajardo, and Janie Cruz of Granger, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother Cruz Valenzuela, her father Luis Valenzuela, and her brother Mauro Valenzuela. A rosary will be recited on Monday, January 13th, 2014 at Shaw & Sons Funeral Directors in Yakima, WA at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 14th, 2014 at 10:00am at St. Paul Cathedral with burial following at Terrace Heights Memorial Park in Yakima, WA.