Roberta Garcia

Roberta Michelle ‘Lyon’ Garcia (“Bobbie”): April 11, 1928 – Sept 17, 2021 Mom was born in Powell Wyoming. Early in her life the matriarch of the Garcia family loaded up Bobbie and six siblings into a Buick and drove to Wapato Washington to escape harsh labor conditions and local bias. With a basket of food, a bible, and the will to succeed, the family set off to improve their quality of life. Wapato and the Yakima Valley is where Bobbie and family thrived in her formative years. As an industrious youth she worked hard and long hours in agriculture, starting in her early teens as was customary for the time and location. Most who knew her would agree, she was a “tough cookie”. Pragmatic to a fault at times, her direct approach and charismatic personality endeared her to everyone she met. She would, and did, often give unselfishly of what she had. This was the example set for her by her mom Maria Concepcion Alvarez Garcia Rivera, who preceded her in death. A healthy Fear/Respect for God, and “love thy neighbor” was always part of her culture. It should be no surprise that later in life Bobbie found the calling of ministering the Gospel. License by the Church of God of Living Waters, “Pastor Bobbie” travelled to wherever there was a need. Mom was very comfortable preaching and singing in front of large crowds in camp meeting tents, however, she found her niche working with small groups. Bobbie’s domain over the last two decades of her life was focused in the greater Yakima area. It was here that she planted her final roots. Although many attempts were made to bring mom closer to her immediate family, mom always returned to the place she called “home”. Sunnyside WA is where mom felt most comfortable in her final decade. “Sister Bobbie”, as she was affectionately known by her devoted and affectionate “Church Family”, was surround by love and adoration to her last days. Mom was never alone even until her last breath. Mom’s legacy will live on through the dedicated work of families under her tutelage, and those who survive her listed below. We grieve; however, we also celebrate the life of Roberta Michelle Garcia as we dedicate her physical body to the earth, and her soul to be with her Father in Heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:20 Survived by:  Brothers Albert and Moses Garcia; Children Mary Boline- San Jose CA, Linda (Victor) Santaella-Fremont CA, David (Yolanda) Felix-Los Gatos, CA, Daniel Garcia- Gardnerville, NV, and Robert (Irene) Garcia- Monterey, CA. {6 children, 27 Grandchildren, 42 Great Grandchildren, 7 Great Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Great Grandchild,} and countless more who loved her dearly. Preceded in death by:  Mother Maria, Father Jose, Pio, Brothers John, Alex, Joe, Solomon, Sister Mary, and eldest Son Timothy Paul Garcia.  Viewing and Memorial Service Valley Hills Funeral Home 218 W 3rd Street, Wapato, WA 98951 (509) 877-4455 Cemetery/Burial Reservation Community Memorial Park 5161 W Wapato Rd, Wapato, WA 98951 (509) 877-2334 To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roberta Garcia, please visit our flower store.