Miguel Zaragoza

Miguel Zaragoza Zepeda, our beloved Apa (Dad), Jefe (Boss), Viejo (Dear), Abuelo (Grandpa), Tio (Uncle) Miguel and Don (Sir) Miguel has left us into the arms of the Lord and heaven has gained an angel.  His presence will be missed dearly by family and friends.

Dad was born on January 10, 1942, in the small village of Istala, Michoacan, Mexico.  He was the youngest of five siblings.  His early years were spent farming and raising livestock.  He was involved in village government, holding the positions of ‘secretario general’ and ‘jefe de tenencia’.  In his later years, he immigrated with family to the United States in 1978.  The Yakima Valley became home, specifically Sunnyside, WA.  He worked as a farm laborer harvesting fruit and vegetables throughout Washington State.  He retired in 1998 to assist Mom run an in-home daycare.  He found joy in helping raise other people’s kids. In 2009, he returned to live seasonally in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico.  He became the host and travel guide for family and friends visiting in Michoacan.  There was always room for everyone at Dad’s.

Dad's personality was friendly, endearing, caring and joyous.  He had a charming smile, a contiguous laugh, an exceptional memory, and was a great storyteller.  He was well known by family and friends for making the best ‘carnitas’.   He stayed informed on local affairs by watching news shows.  He enjoyed listening to Mariachi music.  He had a true love for animals (even giant garden spiders) and pets (Grayfa, Tirante, Guerito, Bella, Peanut, Pixie, Ronchilla and Ronchote).  He took pride in raising farm animals like cows, goats, pigs and chickens.  He loved to vegetable garden, share his harvest, and maintain his homestead clean and tidy.  Many of our relatives admired their Tio Miguel as a mentor and father figure frequently seeking his guidance and wisdom. Affectionately known as their favorite uncle, he shared a strong bond with them. Dad's generosity and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Dad is survived by his second wife, Margarita Naranjo; children Maria Guadalupe, Flora, Rosa Maria, Lus Maria, Lorena, Norma Alicia, Laura Patricia, Eloisa, Martin, Yecenia and Jose (Naranjo); along with over 100 grandkids and great grandkids; numerous nieces and nephews; and brother Manuel.

Dad was preceded in passing into the Lords arms; Magdaleno (father), Florita (mother), Reynalda (sister), Maria (sister), Antonio (brother), Miguel Gerardo (son), Maria Limbania (daughter), and Eloisa Arroyo (first wife).

Viewing and visitation will be held on Monday, March 31, 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.  Funeral Liturgy  will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.   Those wishing to sign Miguel's online memorial may do sot at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

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