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Esther Juarez Serna of Toppenish, WA went to be with the Lord to ride her Pink Cadillac in Streets of Gold on November 21, 2011. She was born to Lorenzo Juarez and Maria C. Juarez on August 31, 1941 in Worland, Wyoming. She married Thomas A. Serna (Speedy) on June 22, 1958 in Wapato, WA. She was a member of Templo Cristiano in Wapato for many years. Shortly after marrying, she went to work at Bailey’s Inc., and then went to work at the Parkside Nursing home, Branding Iron, and El Paso Café. She later became owner of Esther’s El Paso Café in 1994. She always believed in Family work, where she was named Waitress of the Year and Grand Marshal for the Toppenish Wild West Pow-Wow Parade. She accepted every customer that came into her door as family. She greatly appreciated the love and support from her friends of the Yakama Nation. Esther was a devoted member of Eagles in Toppenish. She was also a board member of Yakama Nation Area on Aging. Her hobbies were cooking, cleaning, shopping, and enjoyed serving the community, parades, and keeping her husband Tom in line.
Survivors include her Husband Thomas A. Serna of 53 years. Daughters; Deborah C.(Oscar) Gonzalez of White Swan, Patricia A. (Agustin) Silva of Buena, Mary(Silvano) Mayorga of Toppenish, Tracy L. Serna of Toppenish; Sons; Thomas J. Serna Jr. of California, Michael T. Serna and Daniel Serna of Toppenish. She enjoyed her 21 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren. Esther is also survived by brothers; Silvestre (Ann) Juarez of Yakima, David (Rebecca) Juarez of Selah; Sisters; Elvira Salazar of Wapato Eloise (Mark) Hackner of Toppenish, and her sister-in-law, Rosalie Juarez of Nampa, Idaho. Her favorite cousin, Hipolito Flores. Numerous nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents Lorenzo Juarez and Maria C. Juarez, brothers; Lupe C. Juarez, Richard Juarez, and Lorenzo Juarez. Her nephew, Randy Hackner and grandson, Thomas Gutierrez-Serna. Also her partner in crime….Bo.
We would like to thank the staff at Regional Hospital for the great hospitality and wonderful care. Especially to our nurse “crazy Mary” in 4 center at Regional. Also greatly appreciated support from her church Pastor Juan A. Baéz of Templo Cristiano. Special thank you to Joseph Sherwood for his support on behalf of Yakama Nation, she loved this tribe dearly.
We will be celebrating a Sunday Service in memory of Esther at 5 p.m. at Templo Cristiano in Wapato. Viewing will be Monday, November 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. with Service at 7 p.m. Services on Tuesday, November 28, will be at 1 p.m. at Templo Cristiano 105 E. 5th Street, Wapato, WA, burial to follow at Wapato Reservation Memorial Park. Valley Hills Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com
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To The family of our Loved Esther,
I offer prayers for each of you today, for your loss of such a beautiful lady. Esther adopted my son, Alvin as her own Grandson. Esther had Alvin's picture displayed in the cafe, that we all still miss! When Alvin's father passed on, she was a big help with her kind words and always encouraging my son to move on. I truly appreciated that help from an elder. We always stopped in to visit, and told her what was going on. I am glad I gave the small doll collection to the girls to deliver for us to her, as we knew she collected dolls. So today my heart aches and hurts along with each of you. But we know she led a good life, and we know she will go to a good place, where she will be able to do all the things she missed doing, and her body is whole again. I pray each of will be blessed by our Creator and be given the strength, guidance, and .courage now as the next few days will be very hard. Take care Tom, and all of you be strong and hold one another up. Love, Prayers, & Peace: Gina & Alvin
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My deepest condolence to the family of Esther Serna. It was a pleasure to have met and know Esther and her family through the El Paso Restaurant. Good food, good service with a smile and will miss Esther.
Sandra Arquette
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We would like to offer our condolences to the family of Ester Serna. I was a class mate of Tom, Ester's husband at Wapato and spent many good times with him through out many years of school while there.
"In God We Trust"
Gerald & Janet Jeffries, Arlington, WA.
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Dear Tom,
Richard and I want to say how sorry we are to hear of Esther's passing. Often Richard would mention Esther's father, Lorenzo, his uncle who was his father's brother. So much time has passed since we last saw one another, but our family ties will always remain intact. Esther was obviously loved and respected by so many and will be missed so much. God bless you and your family.
With our thoughts and prayers.
Lydia and Richard Juarez
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I will miss my Zoom Burger Friend, I was very honored to call Esther my friend.
Love and Prayers to the family, love Lavon
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My condolences to Tom and all of Esther's children and grandchildren. I am sorry for your loss.
I remember the first time Esther waited on me not long after she bought the El Paso in Toppenish. She was so sweet and friendly. I felt like I was visiting with my Grandmother or an aunt. She misunderstood my name and from then on I was called "Loco". That always made me laugh. Esther always fed me anytime I stopped by, even if it was late at night and she was closed. She always greeted me with a smile and a laugh.
Esther was a very warm and caring person. I know she was a loving mom and grandma who was a tremendous role model to her family. Esther's love and hard work ethic will bless her family forever.
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Where to begin, Esther had a certain Quality about herself... Always in Charge, Bossy (I like that in a Woman) Dedicated & Devoted to her Family, Business & Customers. She will be missed by many. I'd last seen Esther @ Andy's Pawn shop buying rings. She said how she Loved to buy Beautiful jewelry for cheap ; ) there was something different about her. Her arm was hurt she asked me to help start her car and she would give me a ride. She was tuff to work for but she always had a smile for You. The Branding Iron were the Good ol' Days...Rest in Peace Esther You will be Missed!
Condolences from my Family Suzi & ,John Saiz & Family Seattle Wa, Specialist Michael,Jacquiline Hernandez& Family FT.RICHARDSON, Alaska, Joshua & Juan Huereca, and myself, Angela Hernandez Seattle Wa
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My sincere sympathy goes to all the family of Esther. Our family shared many a good meal at El Paso and was always a favorite place to eat! My son even took his date there for homecoming, Esther set a special table for him and was very proud. She kept both of my kids pictures in her special people frame. Everyone that has had the pleasure of knowing her has been truly blessed. R I P Esther
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My name is Peggy Herzog and I worked with Esther for 10 years at Baileys. We had a lot of fun times there. I was an inspector at the end of the assembly line and Esther's group did the final quality control. Some years after Baileys closed, I was a guest at Esther and Tom's home for dinner. It was a good meal and I remember Esther teasing me that only "gringos" used hot sauce, not her people. Esther was always so fun, with a great spirit for living. Her eyes twinkled with laughter and joy. I can only imagine how much her family and friends will miss her. You are all in my prayers..
Peggy Herzog, Antioch, CA
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Dear Tom and family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all.
God Bless,
Jeanine and Dan
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Dear Tom,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Wish I could be there.
With much love,
Maxine Stephens
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To the Serna Family:
My condolences go out to the family. i am sorry unable to make it. Yes I know it has been years since I've seen any of your family. but growing up with your family, your family has meant a lot to me. May your heart heal with the love from Esther.
Kathy (James) Barkley --Pendleton Oregon
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Esther Serna was a very caring woman, her passing is a great loss. I think very highly of her and your family, I spoke with my mother; Phyllis Miller-LittleBull. She was saddened by the news. She said they were schoolmates and she had fond memories of your mother when they were in school. Due to her health I'm not sure if she can attend the service. Esthers kindness to the community and the Yakama Nation will be greatly missed. I will be praying for your family, my condolences.
LeRoy LittleBull
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Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and those who adored Esther as much as ours. My kids still talk about eating lunch at El Paso with their Grandma (Elaine) and the wonderful Chile Chilles (sp) they had. There were none better. Still try and find places that make them like Esther. Esther left a mark on all who crossed her path. I know she did ours. She will be deeply and dearly missed!
Wendy Davis, Selah, WA
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Offering our thoughts and prayers to all of you in Esther's happy, beautiful family. I enjoyed knowing your Mom and enjoyed the meals at El Paso. The best part was how your Mom and your family made all of us feel like we were at your home enjoying your hospitality. Your happy memories of your Mom will bring you comfort. Your Mom was a good friend to my Mom and to see them visit always made me feel good. To Patti, Debbie, Mary and Tracy I extend thoughts and prayers. To Maria I extend a big hug and the thought that I know you make your Grandma proud.
Kathy Craig and Family
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You was a wonderful person! You were a friend of the family of "Bill Whiz, Jr." for a very long time. To you and your family, do take care, and may God bless.
Sally Whiz
Daughter of Bill Whiz, Jr.
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Esther was my first friend when I moved to Toppenish in 1992. I've loved her and Toppenish ever since, and always will.
She was constantly working, but somehow always found time to meet her family needs, and contributed so much to the community all through the year.
One of the hard things in moving to Wisconsin was knowing that I would miss her so much. My office and El Paso shared an alley so I always called El Paso my "kitchen..." And Esther and I were very proud and supportive of each other as friends and business women too.
My deepest thoughts and prayers go to her marvelous family. Toppenish was so fortunate to have Esther front and center in its community.
Elaine Willman
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Dear Tom and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Ester, she was s sweet heart of a person and I shall miss her very much. I have known you and Easter for many years. I wished I could have been there for you and your family. Take care of yourself Tom. Your friend always Kay Henderson McKail
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Mom I love you. I'm in Mercedes .TX. I miss u so much please watch over us. Jayden and me love you.
Sincerely,
Daniel and Jayden Serna
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