Joanne J. Tahmalwash (67) of Toppenish died on Sunday, May 17, 2009 in Toppenish.
She was born in Toppenish on June 30, 1941 to Joe and Edna (Welch) Aleck.
Joanne was raised and educated in the White Swan and Harrah areas. She attended Chemawa Indian School in Salem.
Joanne worked as a custodian for the Yakama Nation and as a farm laborer.
She is survived by five daughters, Marie Wyena of Priest Rapids, Mary Tahmalwash of Wapato, Jennifer Hansen of Toppenish, Martha Tahmalwash of Toppenish, Karen Tahmalwash of Yakima; three sons, Robert Tahmalwash of Wapato, Johnny Tahmalwash of White Swan and Edward Tahmalwash of Toppenish; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Pearl Charley of Malott, WA and Anna Johns of Toppenish.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Simon and and infant son, one grandson, Roy, two brothers and one sister.
Dressing services were Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Colonial Funeral Home. Overnight services were Tuesday night at the Toppenish Longhouse. Funeral services follow Wednesday morning with burial at the Toppenish Creek Cemetery. Friends may send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com.
  Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Alberto Ramirez, 20, passed away May 9, 2009.   Alberto was born on February 16, 1989 to Elvira and Antonio Ramirez.  He was raised in Wapato, Washington.  Alberto graduated from Wapato High School in 2007 and was in his second year at the University of Washington.
Alberto is survived by his parents, four older brothers, Aldo, Angel, Marco and Moises, and his younger sister, Ruby.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Mass was held Friday, May 15 at St. Peter Claver Church in Wapato followed by burial at Reservation Community Memorial Park.
Merritt Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

Molly Colleen O’Donahue Griffith passed away May 12, 2009 at Crescent Convalescent with family by her side.
Molly was born to Hurley and Alice O’Donahue near Sawyer, Washington January 8, 1927.
She began her education at Parker Heights Grade School, continuing at Wapato Middle School and graduated from Toppenish High School in 1945.
She married Richard (Dick) Griffith on June 30, 1946.
 Molly was involved with “The Monday Club”, and was involved in the LDS Church.
Molly is preceded in death by husband Richard, daughter Katie, brother Terry O’Donahue, and daughter-in-law Hazel.
She is survived by her sons Keith and wife Janet of Selah, Daniel and wife Dianne of Yakima, and brother Thomas O’Donahue of Grandview.   
She is also survived by four grandchildren, Aubrey, Rachel, Michelle and Joshua and  two great-grandchildren.
The funeral was Monday, May 25 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Toppenish Ward. After graveside services at Elmwood Cemetery in Toppenish, a reception was be held at her home.
Donations in Molly’s memory can be made to the Friends of the Buena Library, PO Box 261, Buena, WA  98921.
Colonial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Beulah (Billie) Marie Kent-Zagnoni, 86, of Toppenish, WA, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2009 at her home.
Billie was born on June 19, 1922 in Ritzville to John and Nellie (Bliss) Kerr. 
She moved to the Yakima Valley with her family at the age of 3 months. 
She was raised and educated in Buena, WA, where her father was a barber. 
After school, she became a fashion model in Yakima.  She managed the clothing departments for the Yakima and Toppenish J.C. Penney, the Country Store, Wapato Trading Company and Johnny’s Clothing.
While modeling, she met and married Burdette Kent.
Billie ran the Triple Wrench Café in White Swan, White Swan Feed and Seed, the Wapato Bowling Alley Café, and Billie’s Ceramics. 
She was a member of the White Swan Wigwam Club, White Swan American Legion Auxiliary, Toppenish Eagles and the LDS Relief Society, several lower valley bowling leagues and other organizations.
After Burdette passed away in 1994, she met and married Brad Zagnoni.
 Together they operated TeePee Two Antiques, and Zekes Antiques. 
The family would like to give a special thank you to Benee and Zeke for all the special loving care given to mom.
Billie is survived by her husband, Bradley “Zeke” Zagnoni of Toppenish; sons, Byron B. Kent and Bern B Kent (Terrie) of Wapato; daughters, Beverly Kent of Zillah, Bonnie Kent-Walker of Toppenish, Brenda Nichols (Ron) of Yakima and Benee Kent of Yakima; brother, Floyd Kerr of Seattle; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Burdette B. Kent, son-in-law Jay (Bob) Walker, granddaughter, Billie Sue Batin, grandson, Web Johnson, sisters, Mildred Silvers, Mable Forquer, and Doris Zizkee, and brother-in-law, Harry E. Kent.
Funeral services were Saturday, May 16th at Merritt Funeral Home, followed by burial in the Reservation Community Memorial Park, Wapato. 
Memorial donations may be made in Billie’s name to Yakima County Humane Society in care of Merritt Funeral Home, 218 W 3rd Street, Wapato, WA 98951.
Merritt Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

William Jahr, beloved father, devoted grandfather, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Yakima Regional Medical & Cardiac Center.  He was 67.
Bobby was an enrolled member of Spirit Lake Tribe in Fort Totten, North Dakota.  He was born October 30, 1941 in Devils Lake, North Dakota, to Silus Ironheart and Ilene Jahr. 
He lived in Wapato most of his life. 
Bobby was a devoted and loving husband to the late Flordeliza “Elvie” Jahr.
Survived by his sons, Robert (Anita) Jahr of Yakima and James (Chanelle) Jahr of Wapato; grandchildren, Paul, Daylene and Jonathon of Wapato, Kiana, Kayleena and Aundrea of Yakima. 
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Flordeliza “Elvie” Jahr and son Chris Jahr.
Memorial services will be 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato.  Family and friends are invited to a dinner to at 5:30 p.m. at the home of James Jahr (the luncheon previously scheduled for Saturday, May 9th, has been cancelled).
Merritt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Chloetta Jane Krueger, 85, passed away May 2, 2009, at her home in College Place, WA.
She was born on May 5, 1923, to Henry and Katie Lamberton, in Elk, WA.  
Chloetta lived in Brewster for all of her young life until, on May 19, 1947, she married her sweetheart, Ermen Krueger, in Yakima. The couple built a life together in Wapato. After Ermen’s death in 1998, Chloetta continued to reside at their Wapato home until 2002, when a decline in health led her to move to her daughter’s home in College, Place, WA.
She served as a nurse, a teacher, an owner and operator of the family farm, Krueger Pepper Gardens, a member of the Wapato SDA Church/All Nations Center, and a member of the Audubon Society.
Chloetta is survived by her sons, Lyle Krueger and Gayle (& Patti) Krueger; daughter, Thelia Mayle; 6 grandchildren; brothers Clark (& Pong Sri) Lamberton and Lyn (& Janet) Lamberton; sister Kay (& Marion) Hanson, and numerous nieces and nephews.       
Memorial services were Saturday, May 9th at Merritt Funeral Home, Wapato. Burial will be in Reservation Community Memorial Park.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Adventist Development Relief Association (ADRA), Missions Unlimited, the All Nations Center or the ALS Association, in care of Merritt Funeral Home, 218 West Third Street, Wapato, WA 98951.
Merritt Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

Melvin Edward Olney, Jr. “JR”, 68, of Toppenish, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Toppenish Nursing & Rehab Center.
JR was born May 6, 1940 in Forks, Washington to Melvin Edward Olney, Sr. and Dorothy Juanita Bennett. 
JR was a very adventurous person.  He entered the U.S. Navy in San Diego, CA, and served until being honorably discharged in 1961.  JR was a laborer, and worked a variety of jobs.  Prior to his illness, JR worked from 1998 to 2008, as a dealer at Legends Casino.
JR is survived by his brothers, Marvin “Tony” Olney of Aberdeen and Michael Olney of Texas; sisters, Alice L. Olney of Wapato, and Melvina E. Betchard of Granger; cousins, Marvina “Sonny” Olney of Toppenish, Regina Olney Garcia of Wapato, and Leah Olney Rodriguez of Yakima; and numerous nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his brothers Marlowe Olney and Cornelius Olney, and his sister Margaret “Tangee” Olney Hyde.
Viewing was Thursday May 7, 2009 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato, followed by burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in White Swan.

Frank H. Allan, 91, lifetime Yakima Valley resident, went to be in the arms of his Heavenly Father on Friday, May 1, 2009 from his home in Mabton. 
Frank was born on February 11, 1918 in Ashue, WA the son of Charles and Edna (Duffy) Allan. 
He received his education in Toppenish and graduated with the class of 1937. 
On August 5, 1946 he married the love of his life, Sarah E. Beard in Toppenish. 
Frank worked for U and I Sugar for nine years and retired from Del Monte in 1980.
He was a former member of the Cattlemen’s Association, Alfalfa Grange and Zillah Senior Citizens Group. 
Frank is survived by his wife Sarah of 62 years. Children, Frank Jay Allan (Debbie) of St. John, AZ; Randy Allan (Cheyenne) of Mabton and Sandi Walker of Toppenish; seven grandkids; seven great grandkids, and many adopted grandkids. 
He is preceded in death by his parents, eldest son Robert “Bob” H. Allan, sister Eva Anderson and four brothers Jim, George, Ernest “Butch” and Charles Allan and one grandson, Leonard Allan.
Viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside. Burial will be in the Zillah Cemetery under the direction of the Smith Funeral Home.
Following graveside services a potluck dinner will be held at the Zillah Senior Center.
The Allan Family would like to say thank you to Heidi, Alma, Rick and all the staff at Lower Valley Hospice for the great care and love given to our beloved, Frank.  
Those wishing to honor Frank’s memory may contribute to the Lower Valley Hospice.  Those wishing to share their memories or sign Frank’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com
Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

5) of Auburn died on Monday April 27, 2009 in Auburn.
She was born in Browning, MT on May 25, 1963 to Kenneth and Vivian (Reevis) Yellow Owl.
Enrolled in the Blackfeet Tribem she was raised and educated in Yakima and worked as a housekeeper and in child care.
Alva is survived by two daughters, Laura Valencia of Spokane and Imelda Montes of Auburn; two grandchildren; three brothers, Kenneth and Leroy Yellow Owl of Seattle and Peter Yellow Owl of Tukwila; and one sister, Vera Reevis of Yakima.
Funeral services were Monday May 4, 2009 at All Nations Church on West Wapato and Ashue Roads. Interment followed at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. Friends may send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com.
Colonial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

BARBARA A. BREWER
Barbara A. Brewer (78) of Mabton passed away at her home on Thursday, April 30, 2009.
She was born in Pasco on December 16, 1930 to Ernest and Vada (Johnson) Ortolf.
Barbara graduated from Toppenish in 1949 and married Holt Brewer in Toppenish on February 13, 1954. They moved to Mabton in the early 1960’s where she owned Barb’s Drive-In for 18 years, she also worked for the Mabton School Distric. After retiring she volunteered at the school district.
She is survived by her husband, Holt of Mabton; five daughters, Serena (Robert) MacPherson of Stanfield, OR, Terri Brewer of Seattle, Patti (Vic) Nelson of Sumner, Debbie (Jerry) Brooks of Seattle, and Judy Gish of Spanaway; seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; and one brother, Jack Ortolf of Manson, WA.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held on Saturday May 9, 2009 at 1PM at the Alfalfa Grange south of Toppenish. Friends may send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com.
Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Maria Guadalupe “Lupe” Polina, age 45, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, April 29, 2009 in Yakima.
She was born September 23, 1963 to Jose Blas and Margarita (Villanueva) Polina in Elsa, Texas.
Lupe received her education in Granger graduating with the Class of 1983.
She was employed at the Sunnyside Washington State Migrant Council Daycare for 5 years, Chatter Box Pizza in Sunnyside, Sunnyside K-mart, Yakima K-Mart and was currently employed at Shopko in Union Gap.
She was a member of the Sunnyside Eagles and her Sunnyside bowling Team “Looney Tunes”. 
Lupe was a volunteer for the March of Dimes, and a member of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Granger.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Martinez of Sunnyside; daughters, Esperanza Martinez, Jerika Martinez and Jessica Martinez all of Sunnyside, WA, her mother, Margarita Villanueva of Toppenish; sisters, Susana Bocanegra and husband, Lupe of Granger; Mary Ramirez and husband, Junior of Toppenish; Teresa Cardenas and husband, Roy of Granger; Benita Perez and husband, Opi of Toppenish; Sofia Ramirez of Pasadena, TX; Demetria Lopez and husband, Roberto of Pasadena, TX and Maggie Perez of Wapato, step-son, Jessie Martinez of Outlook, mother-in-law, Esperanza Solis of Hermiston, OR, sisters-in-law, Anna Marie Martinez of Yakima, Rosie Martinez of Toppenish, Teresa Martinez of Hermiston, OR, Arturo Martinez of Federal Way and Rebecca Martinez and Isabel Martinez of Hermiston, OR, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and her good friends, Barb Chiatovich and Dorothy Lopez.
Lupe is preceded in death by her father, 3 brothers, Jose Polina Jr., “Pepe”, Agustin Polina and Carlos Polina.
Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Granger, with burial following at the Zillah Cemetery.
Those wishing to share their memories or sign Maria’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhmesmith.com.
Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.