Rogelio Cardenas

Rogelio “Roy” Cardenas age 71 of Granger, WA passed away at home on January 30, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Roy was born in Sunnyside WA one of 11 children in his family. When he was 10, his family moved to Granger, where Roy would live, work, and become a well-known member of the community for 61 years. Roy graduated from Granger High School with the class of 1973. He also went to Central Washington University for 2 years. Roy had worked many jobs throughout his life including various Farm and Labor Jobs, The pumpkin Center, Pronto Market, Carpenter Farms and US Bank. His longest job was working at the Wapato Food Bank for 19 years.

He started volunteering for the sports his children played, and he continued long after his children had graduated. Roy has dedicated much of his life to being active in his community. He helped arrange track teams, youth football programs, organized numerous basketball and Coed softball Tournaments as well. He also organized the annual Menudo cook off festival and volleyball tournaments that would attract people from all over. He was a chairman of the Civil Service Commission in Granger for 20 years. Later in his career he served as a Granger parks and recreation director. In the process, he has influenced hundreds of children and adults through his years of service. Some would even call him Mr. Granger a title that was well earned.

Granger is also the place where Roy met the love of his life of over 45 years Teresa Polina. They were married in Outlook, WA. on June 12, 1979. Granger is where they would raise their beautiful family of 4 (Patrick, Daniel, Terri and Robert) along with his 7 grandchildren (E.J., Lexani, La’Daenien, Kendall, Nathalia, Jayden and Dezi) and one great grandbaby (Baby EJ)

Roy loved spending time with his family, going to the casino with his wife Teresa, Volunteering and organizing Granger Youth Sports. Watching his beloved Seattle Seahawks. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (Sunnyside Chapter), Granger Booster Club, Granger Chamber of Commerce and a Lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Granger WA.

He was a small man in stature but had a gigantic heart that touched the lives of many people. Roy you will be missed and loved by all that knew you and by the many you have inspired.

Roy is survived by his children Patrick Cardenas Granger WA, Eric Daniel Cardenas Granger WA, Terri Valdez (Ernie) Granger WA, Robert (Mari) Cardenas Sunnyside WA., 7 grandchildren (E.J., Lexani, La’Daenien, Kendall, Nathalia, Jayden and Dezi) and one great grandbaby (Baby EJ). He is also survived by his siblings Robert Cardenas, Jose (Leonor) Cardenas, Alfredo (Janie) Cardenas, Jane (Mario) Villanueva, Maria (David) Richards, Refugio Jr (Debbi) Cardenas, Ray Cardenas, Angie Cardenas (David Antunes), Jesse (Maria) Cardenas and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Refugio and Petra Cardenas, two sisters-in-law Maria (Lupe) Polina and Margarita Cardenas.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 pm at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Funeral Service will be on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Granger High School 315 Mentzer Ave. E.  Granger, WA.  Burial will follow at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA.  Those wishing to sign Rogelio's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com   Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

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