Rafael Martinez DeLeon, 74, passed away on Friday August 21, 2026 in Zillah, WA.

He was born May 24, 1952 in Ramonsville, TX to Simplicio and Dominga DeLeon who preceded him in death along with siblings George, Domingo, Alicia, and Isabel.

After spending his childhood in the Ramonsville, Brownsville area, his family of 8 siblings moved to the pacific northwest to work in the fields in the Harrah, WA area.

Ralph drove tractor for the mint fields, irrigation, and many more jobs to help his family. He met his first (Proceeded in death) wife Juanita Saldana and had 3 boys, Moses, Rafael Jr., and Roman. They lived in Toppenish, where he worked at Washington Beef, then eventually moved into Lead custodian positions at the Wapato middle school, Epic Preschool in Parker Heights, and Schultz furniture.

He finally retired in 2019. He took pride in his work as he usually worked 2 full time jobs, and on the side loved playing drums in his Mexican band Playing for quinceañeras, weddings, etc. He loved to glide on the dance floor with anyone, and if you had the chance to roam across the dance floor with him you felt his grace.

He loved all instruments and loved to sing and whistle throughout his day, whatever he was doing.

He later met his wife Lily Lopez and had a daughter Ella De Leon, and raised son Dante Lopez. He loved to take adventures, camping, fishing, hunting, or taking drives to the Columbia River. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and almost never complained about anything. Even when in pain.

Ralph is survived by his wife Lily, daughter Ella DeLeon, son Dante Lopez Sons Moses, Rafael Jr., Roman, grand kids Jimi Lee, Moses Jr., Alyssa, Austin (Kyle), Torria, Damian,and great grandkids, Alizee, Amayas, Bloom, and Ripley, his siblings Lydia, Irene, Emily, Simplicio Jr., Moses, Andres, and Flor.

Rafael left a legacy of hard work ethic, Family Pride and Love for outdoor adventure.

Rafael was deeply loved by everyone who knew him, He will be dearly missed but not forgotten.

Viewing with be September 10th, from 4-8pm, and Funeral services Friday the 11th, from 12 -1pm, following with burial at Wapato Cemetery with a reception at the zillah civic center

Please feel free to bring a dish of your choice if you are able to.

Thank You.