Ricardo Peña

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, Ricardo Peña, who left this life peacefully on January 10, 2026, at the age of ninety-eight surrounded by his loving family.

Ricardo was born on February 7, 1927, in San Benito, Texas to Julian and Concepcion Peña. In 1944, Ricardo was drafted into the United States Army and served until the end of WWII.

Ricardo will be remembered as a hardworking family man. He worked hard to ensure his large family had what they needed to succeed. He was also generous with his time and aided those in need of a helping hand, He loved to tell stories of his past experiences and had an excellent long-term memory. He enjoyed gardening and keeping his home.

He married Angelita Guerra in Harlingen, Texas on October 14, 1946. She preceded him in death on November 16, 2025. They made their home in Texas until 1955, when he moved his family to Washington. Ricardo found work at the Bo Carlyle Dairy & Farms and made their home in Zillah, Washington. Years later seeking a change he moved to Granger, Washington. During his lifelong career, he found employment as a foreman for Richard Schell in Granger, a truck driver hauling potatoes and sugar beets, farm laborer, custodian, and bus driver. He also worked on the John Day Dam, the U&I (Utah-Idaho) Sugar Beet Plant in Toppenish, WA, and the railroad.

Ricardo was preceded in death by his wife, Angelita Peña, his parents, Julian and Concepcion Peña, his brother, Salvador Peña (Maria), his sisters, Tomasa Rivera (Curberto), Francisca Garza (Pilar), Martha Rosales (Robert), Eva Torres (Ben) and his sons (infant son)-Jose Luis Peña and Ramiro Peña, and two grandchildren, Joey Peña and Aaron Peña.  

Ricardo is survived by his sons Rick Peña (Yolanda), Israel Peña (Delores), Joe Peña (Pepa), Romy Peña, John Peña (Sue), Robert Peña, Ruben Peña (Linda) and his daughters, Connie Anaya (Ramon) and Sally Garcia (Paul). He will also be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his thirty-six grandchildren, ninety-one great-grandchildren and forty-six great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 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 Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Burial will follow at the Zillah Cemetery in Zillah, WA.  Those wishing to sign Ricardo’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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