Joedy Fernandez

Joedy Lynn (Clements) Fernandez

Joedy was born January 9th, 1954, to James Clements and Carmella Olden in Toppenish, WA. At the young age of 5 she was the first child to have open heart surgery at Children's Orthopedic Hospital in Seattle.  She always appreciated the Toppenish Police officers and volunteers who donated blood for her surgery. Growing up she helped her parents with the mink ranch.  Oh, the stories she told about all the pets they had including pinkie the white mink, de-scenting skunks and fishing in the Marion Drain. Being part of a large family, she had fond memories of holidays with Uncles, Aunts, and cousins. She enjoyed trips to the family cabin searching for arrowheads and picking huckleberries with her folks then later taking Callie and Joe.

Her best friend Sherrill made lots of memories throughout school with her. They continued to remain close friends through the years.

She met Jim at Western Packing Company when he was flirting and making funny faces at her, and they just clicked. They were married 43 years. They raised and showed gray Brahman cattle and continue to use them for cross breeding. Jim's job allowed them to see a lot of beautiful country and met some wonderful people traveling to ranches and feedlots in the West and Canada.

When Callie was old enough to start 4-H Joedy created Sun Country Livestock 4-H club and continued leading until Joe graduated. She spent her vacation time at the Toppenish Jr. Livestock show and Yakima Valley fair in Grandview. Fair weeks were long, but she was so proud to see her 4-H members grow and succeed.

Being strong willed and hardworking and the challenge of HR was a perfect career for her.  She enjoyed it when she could help guide people and plan financially for the future. Many of her coworkers remember her as being tough, but fair and honest.

She loved her grandkids Cassie and Colton.  She would give them candy and Doritos as soon as they came to visit, since it was her house and Grandma made the rules. She enjoyed spending time pushing them on the swings, playing in the yard, doing arts and crafts.

Joedy took pride in her beautiful yard and flowers.  Continuing to landscape the yard the way she envisioned. Joedy enjoyed cooking and baking. No one went hungry when we worked calves or during the holidays. We will miss her homemade rolls.

Mom raised us to be independent, hardworking, but instilled a strong sense of family.  Spending time together on the ranch we worked but still had fun.  Mom taught us to be grateful for all we had, be financially responsible, to plan ahead, and to go have fun and enjoy ourselves.

Joedy is proceeded in death by her parents James and Carmella Clements. She is survived by her husband Jim Fernandez, daughter Callie (Dan) Sims, son Joe Fernandez (Mandie Brown), Marc Fernandez, granddaughter Cassie Sims and grandson Colton Sims, her sister Kathy (Dave) Nickoloff.

A celebration of Joedy's life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to sign Joedy's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com   Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

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