Jose Elizalde

Jose Elizalde, 76, of Warden passed away July 8, 2011 at Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, Washington. His loving family was at his side. Holy Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Warden. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 13th at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church. Viewing will be from noon to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday July 12th at the church. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Warden. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake.

Jose was born on April 10, 1935 in Lyford, Texas.

Jose met Benita Martinez in 1956 and they married on July 7, 1958. He was a devoted husband for 53 years. Jose purchased his first semi-truck in 1958. They made their home in Warden in 1960. He started a partnership with his brother-in-law Damian in 1965. They owned and operated Martinez-Elizalde Trucking until 1976 when he began his own business and operated Jose Elizalde Trucking. He hauled commodities for many local farmers and businesses including Nestles, Carnation, Simplot, Western Cold, Pixton Farms, Jensen Farms, Shamrock Enterprises, Three Rivers and Friehe Farms where he worked alongside his brother-in-law Herculano Martinez and Sons. He retired his business in 2008.

Jose was a very special person with a big heart. Known to many as Papa Joe, he was a very caring person with a great deal of advice. He enjoyed listening to music and dancing. One of his favorite traditions was the New Years dance in Grandview, WA with his brother-in-law Pedro and Amelia Martinez. He loved to spend time in the kitchen whether it was to make a great meal or for the traditional tamale making or canning of his favorite salsa. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He valued his time with his children and grandchildren making sure that they were always on the uppity up and for some hammering down, metal to metal. Going to work with grandpa in the semi truck was always a great time for the grandkids. Jose worked hard and held high work standards. He enjoyed trucking and was serious about his work. "Don't get any ideas"........

Jose is survived by his wife, Benita, his 5 children: Anselmo (Lucia), Frances (Ray), Joe (Irasema), Ricardo (Nelda) and Alfredo. He has 13 grandchildren; Caprice (Kevin), Adrian, Gabriel, David, Jacob (Melissa), Ryan, Kristina (Ricky), Joseph, Amanda, Zachary, Stephanie, Sara (Marc) and Stephen. He has 5 great grandchildren; Kyler, Allycia, Alexsus, Aliza, Mila. Jose is preceded in death by his mother, Lili, and his sister Rosa Cavazos. He leaves behind his sister's family: Samuel, Thelma, Yolanda, Sergio, Ray and David Cavazos.