Angela Melendrez

Angela (Helina) Melendrez, 82 of Sunnyside, WA, received her wings on December 7, 2025. Angela passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Angela was born to Alfonso Melendrez and Petra Reyes Melendrez on March 17, 1943, in Carrizo Springs, TX. She spent her early years in Carrizo Springs and later moved to WA in the early '60s. Angela was married to Estevan Uvalle. Angela had eight beautiful children: Maria Estella, Juan Estevan, Jose Alfonso, Cynthia Ann, Angelita Guadalupe, Alberto, Carmen Maria, and Estevan Uvalle Jr.

Angela was a very hard worker. She did various farm work for many years in different parts of Washington and, at one point, had to hold down two jobs—as a floor manager at a warehouse and a manager at a laundromat—in order to provide for her children as a single mother. In 2015, Angela had to retire due to being diagnosed with bone cancer. She enjoyed family time and get-togethers. She loved to crochet and go to the casinos.

Angela loved gardening, and she would take pride in the many rose bushes she tended.

Above all, Angela loved caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was one of the best mother-in-laws. She was generous beyond measure and always willing to help anyone she came across. She would have given the shirt off her back, as she was deeply loved by so many. Angela will be deeply missed by all.

Angela was preceded in death by her parents, Alfonso and Petra Melendrez; her siblings, Aurora Escobar, Alberto M, Ramiro M, Rosa (Charra) Garza, Abelia Ramirez, Nicolas M, and Vidal M; and her children, Mary Sabedra, Nune Estevan Uvalle Jr., and Carmen Uvalle. Also preceding her in death are her sons-in-law, Larry Sabedra and Maurisio Saldaña. She is survived by her children, Johnny (Patsy) Uvalle, Joe (Olga) Uvalle, Cindy Saldaña, Kelly (David) Conejo, and Albert (Tina) Uvalle, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several siblings: Julia Melendrez, Mary Moser, Pee-wee Cortez, Richard Melendrez, Cruz Amaro, Carmen Reyes, and Santa Myers.

Angela's family would like to especially thank Patsy Reiser (daughter-in-law), Mary M, and Pee-wee Cortez, Heart Links and Hospice, and her caregiver Gloria.