Stella Burnette

Our beloved Mother and Grandmother went from our loving arms into her Creator’s on Monday, February 11, 2013. Mom was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico on March 1, 1923 to George and Candelaria “Candy” (Gallegos) Hodgson. Her family had hoped to celebrate Stella's 90th birthday on March 1st with her but it was not meant to be. Stella married Kermit Pollock in October 1942. They lived and worked in the Yakima Valley until 1962 and relocated to Royal City to embark on a new farming venture. Stella and Kermit parted ways in 1966. In 1967 Stella married Sanders Burnette and returned to the Yakima Valley eventually settling in Grandview. Stella retired and relocated to Yakima in 1994 after becoming ill and lived at Mabel Swan Manor for a number of years before becoming a resident at Good Samaritan Skilled Nursing Facility. Stella worked at Rock’s Bakery in Grandview for a number of years. This was an unusual occupation for her because she didn't care much for cakes, donuts, and sweets in general. Mom then went to work as a home care worker where she lovingly took care of the elderly in their homes. She treasured each person that she cared for and made their lives better because of her caring way. Stella leaves behind four children, Charles (Xiao nong) of Lacey; Richard (Dodie) Pollock of Union Gap; Shirley Berg of Sunnyside and Sheila (Rick) Brogdon of Yakima, 8 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Mom was an only child surviving all of her family members. Former husbands Kermit Pollock and Sanders Burnette preceeded Stella in death. A private family celebration of Stella's life was held at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah on February 16, 2013. Stella's final resting place will be in the Zillah cemetery where she will join her mother and stepfather, Troy Bryant. Stella will also reunite in heaven with a precious grandson, Aaron Berg, who passed in 2008. Stella’s family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan for their loving care of our mother especially Tracy and Romeo who always had Mom’s best interest in mind and made her laugh. Donations may be made in honor of Stella to the American Heart Association or to a charity of choice. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah is in charge of the arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Stella Burnette, please visit our flower store.