Tony Raya

Tony Raya, born July 2, 1919, died Jan. 22, 2009, in Yuma, Ariz.

Tony was a farmer and business man in Warden from 1950 to the late 1970s, where he developed land for farming and later farmed throughout the Columbia Basin area in Warden, Othello, Royal Slope and Moses Lake. In the early 80s Tony relocated to Yuma, Ariz., where he continued being involved in real estate development and business enterprises.

Rosary was held at the Yuma Mortuary followed by funeral services at St. Frances Catholic Church Jan. 26. Gravesite services will take place at 1:30 p.m., on Feb. 14, 2009, at the Warden Cemetery officiated by Father Felipe Polido. A gathering for friends and family members will be held at the Warden Corral Restaurant following the gravesite services.

Tony is survived by his children Joseph Raya, Seattle, Rebecca Crocker Neskowin, Ore., Angela Vaile, Toppenish, Wash., Sequoia Bobb Raya, Salem, Ore., Ann Lewis, McMinnville, Ore., and Mark Anthony Raya, Yuma, Ariz.; step-children Rose Cantu, Toppenish, Wash., Yadira Rosas, San Diego, Calif., Miguel Rosas, Yuma, Ariz. Tony has many beloved grand and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Marcella Delagraza and Philla Raya, his children.

He will be missed by all.