In Loving Memory of Regina Elizabeth Jerry

“THLUXMET”

January 6, 1953 – June 27, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, Elder, and friend, Regina Elizabeth Jerry (THLUXMET), who began her journey into everlasting life on June 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Regina was born on January 6, 1953, to Lorraine Matilda Philips Hunt of the Yakama Nation and Lawrence Edward Jerry of the Muckleshoot Tribe. She proudly carried the teachings, traditions, and strength of both families throughout her life and remained deeply devoted to serving her people.

She shared a loving relationship with Harold San Juan, and together they welcomed their son, Alvin P. San Juan, whom she loved beyond measure. Regina later legally adopted her great-nieces, Raylene M. Zick (Sanchez-Lee), Lillian N. Santacruz (Sanchez-Lee), and Jasmine A. Sanchez-Lee, raising them as her own daughters with unconditional love, guidance, and unwavering support.

From a young age, Regina was known for her remarkable work ethic and determination. She worked numerous jobs throughout her youth, learning the value of responsibility and service early in life. One of her first jobs was at the local library, where she developed a lifelong love of learning and helping others. While attending Chilocco Indian School, Regina worked on the school’s yearbook, preserving the memories of her classmates. During her time there, she was honored as Miss Betty Crocker, a recognition of her exceptional homemaking and cooking abilities. These early experiences reflected the dedication, perseverance, and caring spirit that would define her throughout her life.

Regina dedicated approximately 25 years of service to the Yakama Nation Department of Public Safety, faithfully serving as a Dispatcher, Corrections Officer, and Administrative Assistant for the Criminal Investigation Division. She believed deeply in serving her community and protecting her people with dignity, integrity, and compassion.

Her dedication to the Yakama Nation extended far beyond her career. Regina served in leadership roles within the Nation, including holding a Code of Ethics position. She became well known for speaking on behalf of the people and advocating for what she believed was right. She believed every voice mattered and worked tirelessly to improve the future of the Yakama people. Her courage, leadership, and commitment earned the respect and admiration of many throughout the community.

Regina was a devoted believer in the 1910 Indian Shaker Church in White Swan, Washington. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She faithfully served within the church and lived according to its teachings of humility, compassion, and service. Even through the trials of declining health, her faith never wavered.

Many knew Regina as a woman of remarkable strength, wisdom, and resilience. She was an Elder whose words carried meaning and whose actions inspired those around her. She believed in lifting others up, preserving the traditions of her people, and standing for justice, even when it was difficult.

Above all else, Regina’s greatest joy was her family. She loved fiercely, gave generously, and welcomed everyone into her heart and home. She raised her children and grandchildren with faith, resilience, kindness, and unconditional love. She was a source of comfort, guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support whose influence will continue to live on through every life she touched.

Regina was preceded in death by her brothers, Ron George Sr., Patrick Hunt, James Hunt Jr., Reggie Jaramillo, Tim J. Hunt, Daryl Quaempts Kuneki, Roger Hunt, Garland Jerry, and Anthony Hunt Wahpat; her sisters, Wilma Sam, Glenda Jerry, Maxine Hunt, and Helen George; and many beloved relatives including Chuck and Nora (Hunt) Speedis, Ernest Hunt, Virgil Hunt Sr., Virgil Hunt Jr., Andrew C. Phillips, Orval Phillips, Otis Phillips, Elliott Phillips, Ladd Kahclamat, Louis Leo Jackson, Bessie Quaempts Kuneki, Marnie Hunt, Catherine Albert, Augustine P. Howard, Isabelle P. Yallup, Joann P. Walker, and Cecelia Yallup.

She leaves behind her beloved children, Alvin P. San Juan, Raylene M. Zick, Lillian N. Santacruz, and Jasmine A. Sanchez-Lee, whom she loved beyond measure. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Arianna “Joni” Palomarez-San Juan, Adrianna E. Santacruz, Parker J. Zick, and Edward L. Zick.

She is lovingly survived by her sisters, Eleanor Davis, Marlene Hunt, Deb Hunt, Maggie E. George, Laura Hunt, Violet Jerry, and Naidene Jerry along with many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives from both her Yakama and Muckleshoot families, and countless friends whose lives were forever enriched by her compassion, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering love.

Though our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing that Regina’s legacy lives on—in her family, in her faith, in her service to the Yakama Nation, and in every life she touched. She taught us the importance of standing for what is right, loving without condition, serving others with humility, and never forgetting where we come from. Her strength will continue to guide us, her wisdom will continue to inspire us, and her love will forever remain in our hearts.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Though she has gone to her eternal home, Regina’s voice will continue to echo through the people she loved and served. Her legacy is not measured by the years she lived, but by the countless lives she uplifted, the family she cherished, the traditions she preserved, and the community she faithfully served. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital ICU, Zillah DaVita Dialysis Center, and Toppenish Linden Post Acute for the compassionate care, kindness, and support shown to Regina throughout her journey. Your dedication and generosity will never be forgotten.