Rodolfo "Rudy" M. Cortez

Rodolfo (Rudy) M. Cortez was born on 9-26-1929 in Edcouch, Texas and went to be with his Dear God on 5-2-2026 at the Sunnyside Assisted Living facility.  Rudy was the firstborn child of Francisco and Manuela Cortez and the first of ten children, five girls, Gloria, Carmen, Celia, Mary, Diana and five boys, Rudy, Jose, Francisco, Ricardo, Alfredo.  Rudy graduated from the Edcouch Elementary School District in 1944, after which the family moved to Mabton, WA, where he attended Mabton High School and graduated in 1948.

Rudy embarked on his educational path at Edcouch Elementary school in 1944, later graduating from Mabton High School in 1948. His family moved to Yakima Chief Ranch, where they worked alongside other Hispanic families in the hop fields, instilled in him, a deep call to serve, Rudy joined the Army April 4, 1951 and trained at various locations including Fort Lewis and was assigned to the BTRY. B, 420th A.A.A. GUN BN, FT. BLISS, TEXAS.  He received an Honorable Discharged January 17, 1953 with the rank of Sergeant.

Rudy's commitment to education led him to Yakima Valley Junior College, where he earned his Associates Degree and met his future wife, Charlene Woerner. As office manager at Yakima Chief Ranch, Rudy demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, handling weekly payroll and other vital responsibilities.

Rudy and Charlene married and had two children, daughter Dorla Ann, and a son little Rudy.  The children were both born with Cystic Fibrosis and died of that disease, Dorla Ann at age six and little Rudy at age 20.  Rudy kept working at the hop ranch and later married Flora Jean Eller on June 17, 1972.  That marriage lasted for many years before Jean died and is buried in Mabton.  Rudy later married Charlene Gimlin and after many years lost her also on February 4, 2022.  Charlene was laid to rest in Glendale, WA a beautiful location.

During all of these years Rudy was involved with many civic clubs, Lions, Jaycees, Kiwanas and many others.  Rudy left the hop ranch and became an Insurance Agent for Prudential for a number of years and then worked for the State of Washington.  During these years, he continued to be involved with the civic organizations and became Mayor of Mabton, the first Mexican to be elected. Rudy was also a Notary Public as well as a good friend to innumerable people and did their Income Tax returns free of charge.  Rudy was also a member of the Mosquito Control Board and traveled to many stateside locations for their meetings.  Rudy was involved in the selection process to send junior high school students to PLU (Pacific Lutheran University) for Boys State.  Rudy was also involved with the VFW/AMVETS and participated with them in Honoring fallen Veterans.  He filled in wherever he was needed and was a Post Commander.  Rudy was one of five Goodwill Ambassadors who travelled to Central and South America as a National Junior Chamber of Commerce member to strengthen relations with the clubs of these countries.  

He was part of a Mexican League baseball team that competed with other Yakima Valley baseball teams for several years, playing the position of catcher.

Rudy was preceded in death by his father, Francisco Cortez, mother, Manuela M. Cortez, sister Carmen Cortez, sister Gloria Cortez Tovar, sister Diana Leyva Cortez, wife Charlene Gimlin Cortez, wife Flora Jean Cortez, daughter, Dorla Ann Cortez (6), son, Rudy Cortez (20).

He leaves behind sister Celia Sears of Bremerton, brother Jose Cortez (Flora) of Union Gap, sister Mary, Franklin, TN, brother Francisco Cortez (Laurel Ann) of Pasco, brother Ricardo Cortez (Marlene) of Spokane, brother Alfredo Moron (Dora) of Smithville, TX, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Son-in-Law Robert Gimlin (Tawnee) of Ellensburg, Daughter-in-Law Sue Williams (Brian), and many Gimlin relatives.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 4:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. with a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.   Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be held on Thursday, May 14,2026 at 10:00 a.m.at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Grandview, WA.  Burial with Military Honor will follow at the Mabton Cemetery, Mabton, Washington.  Those wishing to sign Rudy's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rodolfo "Rudy" M. Cortez, please visit our floral store.