Raul G. Garza

Raul G. Garza was born May 16, 1944, in Garza Gonzalez, N.L., Mexico to his parents, Gregorio and Nicolasa Garza. He spent his childhood along with his seven siblings (Josefina Garza, Guadalupe Garza, Santos Capetillo, Gregorio Garza, Nicolasa DeLeon, Eva Hernandez, Eugenio Garza) and received his education in Mexico, until the family migrated to the United Stated in 1953.

His mother shared Jesus with him and he gave him his heart at a young age. The family worked throughout the United States as farm laborers. At the age of 16, he suffered an arm accident at a hopper in Toppenish, Wash., which resulted in cancer in the area of this throat. He was hospitalized in Fresno, Calif., for 8 months. After much prayer his three sisters took him to a church service where he was healed instantly, before the speaker, Elias Chamoro could pray for him! He returned to the hospital only to be paraded around the hospital to the doctors as a miracle! From that moment, his faith in Christ was the passion of his heart. He was active as a Sunday school superintendent and teacher, deacon, trustee at Bethel Spanish Assembly of God all his adult life.

In 1963, he met the love of his life, Ramona Cantu. They were married on October 7, 1964. They worked in the fields and in the Chef-Reddy. In 1973, Raul began to work part time for Washington State University and it was the joy of his life to work with the scientists and professors experimenting on potatoes. He absolutely loved his job, having the blessing to work alongside his wife for many years. In 1976 to become fulltime, Raul became a U.S. Citizen. He was so proud to be an American! Raul retired May 2006 from 30-plus years working with the higher education personnel at Washington State University.

The pride and joy of his life were his children and grandchildren. They were the smile on his face and the twinkle in his eye. Estella Garza (Richard) and her children Sarah Reyes (Alejandro), Ashley, Ric, and Caleb. Gracie Garza (Oscar), her children Lucas, Lauren, and Levi. Ramona Gonzalez (Aaron), her children Matthew and Brandon, Sarah Garza (deceased) and Raul Garza Jr.

Words cannot express the special moments we had together and how much of a void will be left in the lives of his family that only God can fill. But in his words, "The Lord is Wonderful, we serve a big God!" "He takes us from the good, to better, to the excellent."

He is in the presence of Jesus and his parents, Gregorio and Nicolasa Garza, his eldest sister Josefina Garza and his princess daughter, Sarah.

A celebration of Raul's life will be held on Thursday March 15, at the Bethel Assembly of God Church in Othello beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing until 9 p.m. Burial will follow on Friday, March 16, meeting at the church at 10 a.m. and processing to Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens.

Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Chapel, Othello.

The family invites you to share your memories and sign the on line guest book at www.stevensfuneralchapel.com.