Jose L. Cardenas

Jose Cardenas (Joe) (77) of Granger, WA passed away December 16, at home, surrounded by his beloved wife, Lola, and his family (#TEAM19).

He was born on September 19, 1948, in Sunnyside, WA to Refugio and Petra Cardenas. During his childhood, Jose loved to run around with his friends and siblings, playing basketball on the dirt ground, and riding bikes around Crewport, WA. He always shared stories of being a kid and how much fun he had.

Jose graduated from Granger High School in 1967. He would then leave for Vietnam at just 18 years old to serve his country in the Vietnam War as a Staff Sergeant. He would be there for two years before returning home. After arriving back in Granger, he would work alongside his family in the fields and hop yards. His work ethic was unparalleled. He worked around the Yakima Valley, eventually settling with Sizer and Sons. He would work with them for the next 28 years.

Jose married the love of his life, Leonor (Lola) Cardenas, on October 11, 1975, in Granger, WA. A big celebration honoring their 50th Wedding Anniversary was held. Despite all of his health issues, he was determined to be there for their special day and was able to dance with Lola to their favorite song, “Look at us,” by Vince Gill. Their marriage was the foundation of their family and a true example of commitment and love.

Together they raised three 3 children, Joey, Selena and Elianna. They were raised with so much love in their home, and the values they instilled will now be passed on to each of their children and grandchildren. In December, Jose said to his children, with tears in his eyes, “I have never seen a family come together like this.” We said, “this is what you taught us, to come together. You have shown us what love is, and that means we all do our part to care for you.”

He loved to watch sports, on TV, in person, you name it! He was a fixture in the stands at Granger High school for many years at football, basketball, baseball and softball games. He especially was there when his kids and grandkids were playing. He never missed a game if he could help it…... sitting through the cold, rain, and heat at softball and baseball games or tournaments. He was well known to all his grandchildren’s teammates and their families as Papa Joe.

Jose was the best Papa, attending all important events for his grandchildren, school activities, award ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, and especially sporting events, and doing so with the biggest smile on his face. He loved watching his grandchildren doing what they loved. Win or lose, he was always their number one fan. He was always so proud to tell people about his children and grandchildren. One of the last games he got to watch was Elianna coaching Sunnyside Slow pitch, he was so proud of her for the win that her team got that day.

He loved sports so much that he would read the sports page out of the Yakima Herald daily and he could tell you all the athletes names and their stats throughout the valley. He would cut out articles and stats for his family members to have to show them how proud he was of their performance.

A very dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Jose passed that on to almost his entire family, even down to the great grandbabies. Although he could never get Selena to convert, he still loved her. He even got to see the Steelers win one last time for MNF. He was also a Seattle Mariner fan and was happy to see them make history by winning the ALDS championship this season.

Jose loved to color, draw and mastered the art of calligraphy. He would often sit and draw for hours, creating designs and adding our names to them. There are many families and friends that have those drawings. He always had the best imagination and could come up with very cool ideas to draw. Jose was an avid Tejano music listener, whether it was on the dance floor or in the living room, he and his ultimate dance partner, Lola, were the envy of many for their skills! Besides his passion for sports, art, music and dancing, one of his favorite pastimes was going to play pool with his “compadres” and beating the young guys. Always calling himself the pool shark!

He was also very devoted to decorating outside his home for Halloween and Christmas. His face lit up when people would compliment him on his decorations. He loved seeing all the kids in their costumes on Halloween, and he always made sure to have everything set up and working for Christmas before the tour bus came by to see. He even got voted for the best Christmas lights a few times. This year his grandsons put up all the decorations, a tradition we hope to continue in his memory for many years to come.

Jose will be remembered for his loving and caring heart for everyone he knew, his devotion to his family, work ethic and the strong man that he was. He will also be remembered as the best Papa our family could ask for. We will miss his stories, conversations, his hugs and kisses. They just don’t make men like him anymore.

Jose is survived by his loving wife, Lola.

His children: Joey (Nora), Selena, Elianna, and his adopted daughter, Jenny.

Grandchildren: Kayla (Willie), Shaylin (Diego), Samara, Gelo (Selina), Emely, Ira, Jessica (Chucha), Lily and Uly.

Great Grandchildren: Diggy, Lylah, Layah, Damon Joe and baby Franco 2026

His beloved pet/favorite child: Elvis

His siblings: Robert, Alfredo (Janie), Jane (Mario), Mary (David), Junior (Debbie), Ray, Angie (David), Jesse (Maria), and Bruce Sizer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Refugio and Petra.

Brothers: John and Roy Cardenas, Dean Sizer, and Ira Aldridge

In- laws: Enrique and Leonor Castro

Brother in- laws: Vicente, Enrique, Elias, Esteban, Guadalupe, Ramiro, Angel (best friend), and Juan Castro.

Special cousin: Rose Avila

We would like to give a special Thank you to Dr. Inklab and all the nurses, aides, and staff at Astria Cancer Center for their kindness, patience, compassion and exceptional care during our dad’s cancer journey. Their dedication brought comfort during a difficult time, and we are deeply appreciative of all they did for him.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 4:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Granger, WA.  Those wishing to sign Jose's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com 

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