Fernanda Villarreal Zarate

Fernanda Villarreal Zarate, 87, longtime Moses Lake resident, went home to be with the lord and join her beloved husband, Pedro B. Zarate, and son whom she missed very much, Juan "Johnny" Zarate, Monday.

Fernanda was born April 3, 1918 in Brownsville, Texas to Alfredo Villarreal and Inocente Tejada.

Fernanda married Pedro B. Zarate on Aug. 3, 1933 in Brownsville, Texas. They moved to Sunnyside, Wash. in 1950 and later moved to Moses Lake in 1953. Fernanda and Pedro had 11 children and raised nine in Moses Lake.

Fernanda spent her life raising her children and helping raise her grandchildren. Her home was the meeting place for the entire family on every holiday and every celebration. She worked at Sunspiced, Inc. for many years, until her retirement at 75, in 1992.

She is survived by her sons and daughters: Henry Zarate of Moses Lake; Aurora (Fred) Gonzales of Moses Lake; Alfonso (Jo) Zarate of Los Angeles; Celia (Dennis) Wojdan of Moses Lake; Sergio (Gail) Zarate of Lacey, Wash.; Ray (Karen) Zarate of Moses Lake; Josie Zarate and Ramiro Martinez of Moses Lake; and Richard (Charlene) Zarate of Lacey, Wash. Fernanda is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great-grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pedro B. Zarate, son, Juan "Johnny" Zarate, infant son, Peter Anthony and infant daughter, Delmira Zarate.