Stephen Ganuelas

Stephen Morales Ganuelas, Jr. (87) of Wapato, WA passed away March 10, 2023 at his home. Stephen was born February 15, 1936 to Steve Morales Ganuelas, Sr., and Blanche Winnier. Ganuelas was an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes & Bands of the Yakama Nation and has resided on the Yakama Nation Reservation most of his life, attending grade school at McKinley and Jr/Sr. High in Toppenish, Thorpe, Washington and St. Ignatius, Montana. He relocated his family to Tacoma, WA to attend the Bates Trade School where he obtained his certifications as a welder. Stephen was a very proud member of the Marine Corps where he enlisted in March 13, 1954 through March 14, 1957. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego California and Bremerton, Washington and was Private First Class: Anti-Tank Assault Man (Bazooka). He also served as a Security Guard for the Sub-Marines in Bangor, Washington. Ganuelas was sent to the Korean War Conflict at its end as a prisoner chaser, demolition man, flamethrower during this time he was stationed in Tokyo, Japan and Guam Islands. He continued to be a proactive member till his death amongst the Yakama Warriors Association and the Wapato American Legion. Stephen was a hard-working man, in 1963 he was an Aluminum Welder at the shipyards with Gunderson where he worked on Aluminum Hyrdofoil for the Vietnam War, worked with Garrett Horsley Orchards, the Yakama Nation Housing, and the Wapato Irrigation Project where he retired. He also enjoyed to dipnet with his family and friends at their family sites on the Klickitat River, Dalles Dam, and Celilo Falls and places like Sunnyside Dam, Prosser Dam, and Parker Dam. In 1959, Stephen met his lifelong partner, love of his life, Linnea Mary Sampson-Ganuelas at the Satus Longhouse during Christmas Celebration. They were married at the St. Peter Claver Church in November 26, 1960. They pursued a family together having 4 children: Steven John Ganuelas, Gary Kennan Ganuelas, Cara Marie Ganuelas and Lisa Gaye Ganuelas. Stephen is survived by his wife Linnea Marie Sampson-Ganuelas. His last remaining paternal uncle: Glucerio Morales Ganuelas of Vancouver, Canada. His Siblings: Victor Allen Ganuelas, Martina Joy Ganuelas-Batin, Dora Claire Ganuelas, Diana Rose Ganuelas-Brooks, Dolly June Ganuelas-Badonie, Rena Belle Ganuelas-Hert, Edwin Ganuelas, Milton Ganuelas, Estella Ganuelas-Thompson. His Grandchildren: Lauren Marie Ganuelas, Tara Jo Ganuelas Farrow, Justin Lynn Ganuelas Farrow, Belisa Dawn Ganuelas, Ian Byrd Sampson, Owen Miles Marez, Kennan James Ganuelas, Cekais Toni Ganuelas, Ajiah Abraham Ganuelas Smartlowit, Jackson Josiah Ganuelas Red Elk, Jeanine Marie Ganuelas, Chelsey Lynn Ganuelas. His Great-Grandchildren: Sean Joseph Ganuelas Soaring Eagle, Teal Thomas Ganuelas Soaring Eagle, Lyle Morales Ganuelas Soaring Eagle, Cole Foy Ganuelas Soaring Eagle, Kara Mia Ganuelas Jones, Terry Ezra Nowland, Jeffrey Anthony Van Pelt, Taylor Jo Van Pelt, Tatum Rain Ganuelas, Aiden Arnold Nomee, Manny John Nomee, Ava Essence Ganuelas Upham, Brandan Ganuelas SoHappy, Meliha Lynnae Hernandez, Maddison Marley Hernandez, Mayson Arthur Hernandez, Jayce John Hernandez, Myalynn Hazel Sampson. He is preceded in death by his Grandparents William Winnier and Dora White-Winnier, his parents, his siblings: Gloria Grace Ganuelas-Shilow, Joseph Ramone Ganuelas, Nolan Lance Ganuelas, Brian Neely Ganuelas, His children: Stephen John Ganuelas, Cara Marie Ganuelas and his Great-Grandchild Warren Louis Nomee Ganuelas. Dressing and Viewing Arrangements will be held Monday, March 13, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Wapato Valley Hills Funeral Home. The burial will be Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 8:00am at the Wapato Reservation Cemetery and a luncheon to follow at the Wapato American Legion (time TBA at the services). To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Stephen Ganuelas, please visit our flower store.