Manuel Martinez León

Manuel Martinez León age 87, of Grandview, Washington passed away peacefully in his home Friday, April 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Manuel was born on January 15, 1938, in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico to  Alberto León and Ana Martinez.

He met and married Maria Isabel Ochoa in 1965. They lived in Fresno, California for 5 years until they moved to Washington state and set their roots in Grandview. Manuel worked as a farm laborer in the agricultural fields for most of his life. His favorite place to work was with and for the Stacy and Diane Puterbaugh Hop Farms with their entire family. Manuel was a Kind, humble man who enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He especially enjoyed taking walks around the neighborhood, to Juan Vasquez mechanic's shop, and walking laps inside of Safeway. 

Due to health issues, he eventually stopped taking those walks. His favorite place to walk was at Safeway because that's where he would visit old friends and new friends. Manuel liked to Joke around and tell stories of his younger years, especially the stories of his Mayan and Navajo Lineage.

His jokes were done in good spirit. He really got a Kick out of asking the younger generation how old they were and then responding with “oh you beat me by 5 years" and laugh with you. Our family extends a grateful thank you and appreciativeness to everyone who humored him. A special thank you to Samantha, Ana and Santiago from Heartlinks Hospice and Palliative Care. Your genuine care and respectful treatment of our dad was a true gift of love. With your assistance he was able to transition to the next life with Dignity. He was a devoted catholic, attending Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Manuel is survived by his wife Maria Isabel (Chavela), Sister Toñia León of California, his children, Peggy Robinson of California, Annie Evans (Parrish) of Nevada, Margie Sáenz (Rudy) of Grandview, Manuel León Jr of Arizona, Carmen León (Carlos Navarro) of Sunnyside, Raul León (Uli) of Grandview, Leticia Losoya (Lucio Benavidez Jr.) of Yakima, 27 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents Alberto and Ana León, and 10 brothers and sisters, his son Jose Alberto (Beto), grandchildren Corina León Santos and Angelita Nicole Sáenz.                                                                                               7-year-old granddaughter Samara says. "Grandpa is in heaven with the stars and now he is a star.” 

Viewing and visitation will be Friday, May 2, 2025, from 3-8pm with recitation of the Holy rosary at 6pm at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel is Sunnyside WA. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the UFW (United Farm Workers) Foundation, or a cancer foundation.

Those wishing to sign Manuel's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com    Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

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