Lucia R. Rodelo

Lucia R. Rodelo, 81, of Othello, passed away on Monday May 3, 2010 at the Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane.

Lucia was born on January 7, 1929 in Harlingen, Texas to Guadalupe and Theresa (Contreras) Rendon.

Lucia left school to work. She worked at a general store in Combes, TX where she met Jesus Rodelo. They married in Combes on July 10, 1958. The family moved to Mercedes, TX and then to Washington State where they settled in Othello in 1967. Lucia went to work at Jack’s Bargain Barn until 1975 when she began working as a school nurse for Lutacaga. She retired in 1984. For a brief time she ran a childcare, worked as a DJ for KRSC 1400 Spanish Radio, and was appointed as a Water Commissioner. She then became the “Tortilla Lady” at Akins Grocery Store where she ran the tortilla factory. After Akins closed, Lucia went to work for Ace Hardware where she worked until her death.

Lucia was passionate about her family; her favorite times were when she was surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren. She was an excellent seamstress, creating quilts for all of her grandchildren. Lucia was an ardent rose gardener collecting many rose bushes and adding new ones each year. She was a prolific collector of salt and pepper shakers of which her favorite pair was Lady and the Tramp. Lucia and Jesus loved to dance and did so at every opportunity. Lucia was a member of the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle in Texas and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Othello.

Lucia was preceded in death by her husband Jesus. She is survived by her children; Maggie Trevino of Harlingen, TX, Victor (Ulrike) Rodelo of Lacey, WA, Ricardo of Lacey, WA, Jesus JR. (Gloria) of Othello, Daniel (Aida) of Warden, Celia (Crispin) Carrillo, Patricia (Frank) Vasquez and Elida Rodelo all of Othello, a sister Blanca Ybarra of Harlingen, TX and 17 grandchildren.

Vigil services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Othello from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 6, 2010. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens. You are invited to sign the guest book and leave a note for the family at stevensfuneralchapel.com. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Chapel.