Carmen Estrada

Carmen Gutierrez Estrada, age 93, went to be with her Lord on September 13, 2016 surrounded her loving family. She was born January 10, 1923 to loving parents Meliton and Socorro Cuellar Gutierrez in Clint, Texas. When Carmen was very young her family left Clint, TX and moved to Montana for a short time, then moved to Worland, WY where she started school. During this time she met Alex and they had many great adventures together as they grew up in Worland. On December 13, 1940 they were married and in due course had 8 children together. Carmen was endlessly working, even as she raised her 8 children. She worked in the agricultural fields along with numerous years in the cannery. Carmen developed strong work ethics in her children by working beside them and being a great example. During her long life Carmen and Alex lived in Biggs Junction, OR where he was a section foreman. They then moved to Hepner Junction and lived there till Alex retired. After retirement they moved to Boardman, OR, cultivating many lasting relationships, not just family but many friends who came to know Alex and Carmen as their DAD and MOM. While in Boardmen Carmen had a beautiful lawn and took special care to grow exquisite flowers for everyone to enjoy. She was a wonderful cook as many can attest to. She had a great sense of humor and was always coming up with fast one liners. Carmen's beloved husband Alex, of 69 years, passed away in November of 2009. She did her best to keep up with her flowers but in August of 2012 she moved back to Yakima to be close to her children and their families. Carmen is survived by her children: Sally Estrada of Yakima, Vera (Jose) Cervantes of Toppenish, Sylvester (Joyce) Estrada of Wapato, Clementine (John) Palmer of Goldendale, Rosemary (Mario) Martinez of Yakima, and Alex Jr. (Neila) Estrada of Redmond, OR; daughters-in-law: Julia (Jesse) Estrada of White Swan and Barbara (Rosendo) Estrada of Yakima. She is also survived by 29 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, and 35 and counting great-great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. What an astounding legacy Carmen and Alex have left. Carmen is preceded in death by her loving husband Alex Estrada; and two sons, Jesse Estrada and Rosendo Estrada. Viewing and visitation will be held Monday, September 19, 2016 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato, WA from 4:00 pm till 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Merritt Funeral Home at 10:00 am with burial to follow at Reservation Community Memorial Park. Those wishing to share a memory of Carmen please do so at www.Valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carmen Estrada, please visit our flower store.