Juanita C. Moya

Juanita Chavez Moya passed from this world to be with her savior Jesus Christ on December 3, 2016. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful friend to many who knew her and loved her. Her faith in God, her warm and welcoming disposition, and her selfless generosity were just a few of her many wonderful qualities.

Juanita was born to Reuben and Mercedes Chavez on March 21, 1940 in Worland, Wyoming where she attended elementary school till age 11. She came from a large family of 12 brothers and sisters and was number 7. She and her family moved to Toppenish WA for a brief period as her father found work in the construction industry. The family then moved to a home in Sunnyside, WA in 1952. She attended Sunnyside Schools and graduated from the Sunnyside High School in 1958. Soon after, she left the area to attend the Latin American Bible Institute in La Puente, CA. When she moved back to Sunnyside, she met the love of her life Abel E. Moya at Iglesia El Calvario (Church of Calvary) in 1960. She would always tell you that God told her "He's the one you will marry." The two of them dated for two years until they married on February 11, 1962 at Iglesia El Calvario (Church of Calvary).

In her early career she worked as an assistant to Dr. Jack Hale - Optometrist. Other occupations included working in local canneries and warehouses until she became a para educator at Harrison Middle School in 1984. Later on in her career she chose to further her education in which she excelled and made the dean's list at Heritage University in 2004. She worked at Harrison Middle School for 20 years until she suffered a brain aneurysm in May of 2004.

Her favorite hobbies included working in the garden with her husband, playing the piano and singing in church, and serving others in the community. She was often playing the piano or singing in weddings, funerals, and other occasions.  

In her early teen years she attended the Nazarene church and then was inspired to help grow Iglesia El Calvario.  Juanita played the piano faithfully every Sunday and served in many leadership roles for over 40 years at Calvario. In 2000, she felt God was calling her to help others in her community and started attending Calvary Baptist Church where she met many new people, made many new friends, and also played the piano while her husband played bass guitar.    

Juanita is survived by her husband Abel Moya who continues to live in Sunnyside, WA. Her children include Abel "Rennie" Moya - Sunnyside WA, Jerry and wife Cindy Moya - Renton, WA, Bill and wife Ana Moya - Redwood City, CA, and Gwen Moya - Renton, WA. Also surviving are grandchildren Ian and wife Sheena, Nicole, Kiesha, Corey, Valerie, and Mateo. Three great grand children include Natalee, Dominic, and Jeremiah. Her sisters Irene Chavez, Helen Lopez, Elizabeth Appel, brothers Isaac Chavez, David Chavez, Edward Chavez and Reuben Chavez. Other survivors include her uncles Reuben and Benny Macias and numerous cousins.  

She was preceded in death by her mother Mercedes Chavez, her father Reuben Chavez, brothers Pete Chavez, Manuel Chavez and Daniel Chavez and infant sister Rachel.

We will miss you mom. Thanks for all the love you showed us and others. You taught us so many life lessons from your heart, and you will always be a blessing to us.

Viewing and Visitation will be held Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Funeral Service will be Friday, December 9, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Sunnyside, with burial to follow at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA. Those wishing to sign Juanita’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Homes in care of arrangements.

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