Caroline P Rivas

Caroline Rivas was born in Fairview, Montana on February 28, 1943. Her childhood years were spent migrating the Northwest with her parents and 12 siblings following agricultural work. Thus, her formal education did not go beyond the 6th grade. That is until 1993, at the age of 50, when she chose to attend an adult education program for women wanting to earn their GED, which she did.

Carol lived most of her life right here in Sunnyside. In 1958, she met Raymundo, the love of her life. But they would only see each other seasonally, during harvest times. That wasn't enough for the love birds, and they eloped two years later, marrying in September of 1960. This year they would be celebrating their 65th anniversary.

Together, the pair had 5 children: Gracie, who has been awaiting her mother in heaven; Amalia (Molly); Raymundo Jr.; Israel, lovingly called Uncle Coco, and Rigo, the baby. Carol loved tending to her family. Cooking for them and others was one of her greatest pleasures.

Throughout her life she fed so many people including friends and strangers from many walks of life. Caregiving was second nature to her, and she turned it into a business, Gramma Carol's Daycare. All the kids loved her and called her "gramma". She loved caring for others. But caring for her family, especially by feeding them, was what brought her the most joy.

She is survived by her husband, Raymundo Sr., daughter Molly Ramos and her husband Rudy, son Raymundo Jr. and his wife Christina, son Israel, son Rigo and his wife Michelle, and several generations of loving grandchildren. She is preceded in death by daughter Gracie.

Caroline was the beloved matriarch of the Rivas family-the sunshine of their lives. She had a great sense of humor, always cracking jokes and dancing. To say she will be missed is the ultimate understatement.