Virginia Rios Nieto

Virginia Nieto, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 11th, 2025. Born in Billings, Montana. Virginia lived a life full of joy, humor, and warmth that touched everyone who knew her.

Virginia was known for her positive spirit and quick wit. Her joyful energy was contagious, and she had a talent for making people laugh, especially with her famous joke about the horse dropping chocolate, which she lovingly repeated countless times. Her humor was a gift that lifted the hearts of everyone around her, especially in her later years.

She loved dancing, making fresh tortillas on the weekends, and bringing people together with her warm presence. Virginia was rarely seen without a smile, and her kind, uplifting nature made her a beacon of love and happiness in the lives of her family and friends.

Virginia will be remembered for her unwavering positivity, her laughter, and the beautiful way she brought joy to every moment. She was greatly loved by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the memories and stories shared by those who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ponciano Nieto, her parents Ramon and Mararet Enriquez, her siblings Jerry Enriquez, Mary Enriquez, Willie Enriquez, Ramon Jr. Enriquez, Dorothy Valencia, and her grandson, David Nieto. Virginia is survived by her four children, Maria (Terri) Malzahn and husband Roy Malzahn, David Nieto, Ponciano Nieto Jr., Irene Nieto (Macias), daughter-in-law Candace Barker, and son-in-law John Macias. Survived by her siblings Connie Enriquez, Paula Enriquez, Joe Enriquez, Carolyn Enriquez, Betty Enriquez, Romana Martin and husband Danny Martin, Kedron Bernice Enriquez, and Frances Enriquez. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Krissy Nieto Valdez, Tara Mendoza and husband Ricky Mendoza, Erica Tait and husband Jed Tait, Desiree Nieto, Zachary Nieto and Margarita Garcia. As well as her beloved great-grandchildren: Elijah Mendoza, Natalie Mendoza, Samantha Valdez, Jazybyl Espinoza, Janiya Tait, Jiovanni Nieto, Zyahrah Espinoza, Oliver Nieto, Vanya Espinoza, and Aria Mendoza.

Viewing will be on June 17th from 4 pm to 8 pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home. A family service will be held to honor her life on June 18th, 2025 from 10am to 11am at Yakima Seventh Day Adventist Church (507 N. 35th Ave. Yakima, WA), and a family gathering at Wapato Community Center at 1pm.