Larena Sohappy

“Suptikawai” 12/09/1938 – 9/29/2024 LaRena Betty Sohappy (85), passed peacefully surrounded by her four daughters on September 29, 2024, at the MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital in Yakima, WA. Born in Toppenish, WA, she was the daughter of the Late Frank Sohappy of Priest Rapids (Wanapum) & the Late Julia Pimms (Sohappy) of Wapato Kaatnum (Longhouse). She was the first in her family to graduate from high school (Go Wapato Wolves, Class of 1956) and college, having attended Haskell Indian Nations University and pursued her associate’s in administration law. LaRena also attended University of Mexico, pursing her Business Law Degree. LaRena “Suptikawai” was employed with the Yakama Nation for 56+ years. Suptikawai served three terms with the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, and two terms as an elected official for the Yakama Nation General Council. Suptikawai was a respected elder of the Wapato Kaatnum (Longhouse), in her younger years, she was a shaker member of the 1910 Shaker Church. Suptikawai was an honored and well respected elder in Waampt (medicine dances), who was a devoted singer and believer in Waampt ceremony. Suptikawai will be remembered for her straw hats, taking family trips, traveling adventures “going where the wind takes her”, the pow-wow trail, traveling to medicine dances, her beadwork, sewing, and collecting horse nicknacks for her home. She had a dedicated love and support in helping her people and big family. Suptikawai also loved her beloved Elvis Presley and her precious cat, O’mally. Suptikawai is survived by her four daughters; Winna Switzler (Roger Stahi), Cris Polk (the Late Michael Polk), Oona Dittentholer (Thomas Dittentholer), Juliette Brown (Michael Eagle-Olney), two sons; Bruce Fish (Terri Gonzales), Kenny Simmons Brown, 21 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Suptikawai was predeceased by her parents, her one brother; the late Lawrence Sohappy Sr., five sisters; the late Hannah Sohappy, the late Lena Owen, the late Amelia Sohappy, the late Viola Sohappy, her beloved son; the late Frankie Brown and daughter; the late Angelique Sampson. Funeral arrangements will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, leaving Zillah Mortuary at 7:30AM and journey to Priest Rapids (Wanapum) Longhouse for Dressing and Viewing at 9:00AM and services to follow. Then journey to Wapato Kaatnum (Longhouse) for overnight services. Bural will take place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, leaving Wapato Kaatnum (Longhouse) at 6:30AM to final resting place to the Union Gap Cemetery. The family would like to thank the MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital nurses and staff; MountainView Home Health nurses; MultiCare Hospice nurses; and the First Responders, for their generous hospitality for our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend/colleague. Nye! To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Larena Sohappy, please visit our flower store.