Josephine (Josie) Sanchez, age 70, was called to join her heavenly angels at the gates of heaven on Monday, April 6, 2026. She passed peacefully, surrounded by the family and loved ones she so dearly cherished.

The Book of her Life: Josie’s story began in Toppenish, Washington, born to Biterbo and Filomena Salinas Sr. on May 16, 1955. Raised in Granger, Washington, she attended Granger High School and built a life rooted in the Yakima Valley. It was in Granger that she met her life-long best friend and the father of her children, Charlie Soliz. Though their relationship evolved over the years, their bond remained unbreakable, and they remained best friends until her passing.

A Legacy of Hard Work and Grace: A woman of immense strength, Josie’s hands were rarely still. She spent years as a dedicated farmworker—picking grapes and sugar beets, cutting asparagus, and cleaning mint. Her work ethic later led her to roles in retail, early childhood education, the Yakima Bait Company, and the laundry service industry. Upon retiring, she found her greatest joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life.

A Heart for Others: Josie’s home was a sanctuary. She welcomed family, friends, and even acquaintances with an open heart and a spirit of grace. Her warm essence was a natural comfort to those facing life’s struggles; to sit in Josie’s presence was to feel your worries ease, if only for a while. She lived for her family’s milestones, beaming with pride at every achievement of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was happiest when the music was playing while she cleaned her home, or when she was out enjoying a game of Bingo, Lotería, or Paco. She loved trips to the casino with friends and family, but nothing compared to the annual family reunions. It was during those gatherings that her "cup was filled" and her heart was at its warmest.

Family: Josie is preceded in death by her parents, Biterbo and Filomena Salinas Sr.; her sisters, Antonia Gonzales, Paula Estrada, Guadalupe (Lupe) Torres, Jesusa (Susie) Martinez, Martina (Tina) Salinas, and Violanda (Biola) Salinas; and her brothers, Simon, Francisco (Frank), Romolo (Gramps), Biterbo (Turbi) Jr., and Robert Salinas, grandson Juan Jose Salinas Jr, great-grandson Alexander Garcia along with aunts, uncles, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her legacy lives on through her four children: Lisa Soliz (David Payne), Olivia Soliz (Frank Olivarez), Tina Soliz (Robert Juarez), and Juan Jose (JJ) Salinas (Audriana Alvarado); as well as her 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Services: A Holy Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (604 E Ave, Granger, WA 98932).

Following the service, the family invites you to join them for a celebration of Josie’s life at a potluck luncheon from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Spotlight Studio (512 2nd Ave, Zillah, WA 98953).