Jose Santoy

Jose Santoy, 72, of Grandview, WA, passed away on August 20, 2020 after a courageous battle with brain cancer (GBM).  Joe was born July 16, 1948 in Edinburgh, Texas and his family moved to Washington State when he was a teen.  He married Anita in 1970.  That same year, they purchased their first house, where they live to this day, and made their home in Grandview. 

In their early years, Joe and Anita farmed asparagus and other crops prior to spending many years as custodians for the Church of the Nazarene.  Joe also served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1968-1974.

.Joe was a “worker bee” so the words “hobby” or “retirement” didn’t necessarily enter his vocabulary but he did find joy in what most would consider everyday occurrences.   If not working, one could occasionally catch him playing slot machines at a local casino, but more often than not he’d be caring for and enjoying  his garden-like back yard with Anita, his kids and/or grandchildren.  The Santoy home was a place of many family celebrations.  A lover of the outdoors - he preferred gardening and tinkering in the garage to most other things. He spent many evenings creating architectural drawings or working out in his home gym.  He also had an impressive eagle statue collection, many gifted from friends and family. 

Over the years, Joe (and Anita) overcame their fear of flying and visited their kids and grandkids living in Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego.  While Joe was fond of visiting his kids, he also enjoyed getting back home. He learned to appreciate the beach and while he didn’t know how to swim, he was a big fan of walking barefoot in the sand. 

A man of few words, Joe usually said something meaningful or funny but in most cases his words were both meaningful and funny. He was a very supportive and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. 

He is survived by Anita, his wife of almost 50 years; four children, Grace (Ryan) Lieberman; Rachel Santoy (Mike Pocchiari), Rosie (Orbie) Gilliam, Joe (Teresa) Santoy and eight grandchildren – Sofia, Jordin, Taylor, Ava, Alex, Joseph, Nya and Roman.  He is also survived by four sisters – Alicia Sanchez, Mary Santoy, Guadalupe Rodriguez, Irma Meza and two brothers – Manuel Santoy and Antonio Santoy along with many nieces and nephews.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  with a rosary recited at 6:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA. 

A small funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Burial with military honors will follow at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, WA.  The family asks that all be mindful of COVID-19 limitations including mask-wearing and social distancing.

If you’d like to honor Joe, Yellow Rose Nursery is accepting orders for potted plants or monetary gifts to keep Joe’s garden growing for family and friends to continue to enjoy (yellowrosenursery@gmail.com; 509.786.3304)

Those wishing to sign Joe’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.  To plant a tree in memory of Jose Santoy, please visit our floral store.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jose Santoy, please visit our floral store.