Cecilio Garza

Cecilio Garza, age 100, of Outlook, WA, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016 in Sunnyside, WA. Cecilio was born November 22, 1915 in La Congregacion Garza Rancho San Ramon, Tamps, Mexico the son of Ramon Garza and Francisca Garza Sierra.  He married Josefa Moreno on June 29, 1951.  Their first home was in Mercedes, TX and in 1969 he and his wife purchased a farm in Outlook, WA.  The family cultivated asparagus and other vegetables. Cecilio gained knowledge and skills of cultivation, knowledge of crops and breeding of animals while tending to his parents ranch in Mexico. He used these skills on his farm which provided for his family. He enjoyed close working relationships with his neighbors and friends the Thomas family / Snow & Son’s Produce Co.

In 1969 there were very few Hispanic’s that owned farms. Cecilio believed in helping his fellow farmers succeed. It was important that the few Hispanic farmers work close together to share their farming equipment and knowledge to achieve their American dream of being independent farmers. Cecilio maintained a strong work ethic throughout his life. Passing on values of respect, to help and support others was very important to him. Spending time with family was extremely important to him throughout his life, family truly meant everything to him.  Cecilio and his loving wife made time for fiestas with family and friends, they enjoyed music, dancing and gaming and they also enjoyed traveling. He was also a true “12th Man” who enjoyed watching and cheering for his Seattle Seahawks with his family.

Cecilio and his wife belonged to the Mutualistas; a community based Mutual Aid Society created by Mexican immigrants in the late 19th century, they also belonged to the Asparagus Association. He was a member of the St. Joseph’s Parish in Sunnyside, WA.

He is survived by his children: son, Esteban Garza of Victoria, TX and his children Andres and James Garza, daughter Graciela Gomez and her husband Robert Gomez of Outlook, WA and their children Robert and Alex Gomez, daughter Francisca Garrison and her children Vincent and Isaac Garrison, son Cecilio Garza Jr. and his wife Lori and their children Emily, Elizabeth and Ethan Garza, son Gerardo Garza and his wife Stephanie and their children Maci Garza and Alexandra Johnson. He is also survived by six great grandchildren Stella, Gabriel, Lilly, Diego, Emilio and Amar’e.  Cecilio was preceded in death by his loving wife Josefa Garza in 2015. The family would like to say, “Thank You”  to all who have supported and cared for our Dad in particular Sun Terrace of  Prosser and Sunnyside and Heartlinks Hospice. 

Viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM with a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 PM at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Sunnyside, WA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sunnyside, WA. with burial to follow at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, WA. Those wishing to sign Cecilio's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

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