Carmen Diaz Cardenas

Carmen Diaz Cardenas (89 years old) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 3, 2014 at her home in Moses Lake. She was born in Jerome, Ariz., and lived in Worland, Wyo., and Denver, Colo., in her youth. Her family moved to Washington in about 1942. She lived in Wapato and Royal City, Washington, and finally in Moses Lake, Washington, since 1971.

Carmen is survived by her husband Tony G. Cardenas and would have celebrated 68 years of marriage on November 30th. She is also survived by her son Antonio Cardenas, Jr. (Christina) and six daughters: Abigail (Alonzo) Tijerina, Teresa (Cesar) Chavez, Rosalia (John) McDonnell, Patricia (Salvador) Romero, Isabel (Hugh) Wilder, and Maria (Greg) Benson; 25 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Her sons, Gabriel and David Cardenas pre-deceased her. She is also survived by four sisters: Esther (Roy) Fann, Margaret Perez, Monica (Ricardo) Garcia, Rachel (Joe) Molano and three brothers; Felix (Yolanda) Diaz, Louis Diaz, and Jesse (Sharon) Diaz; and a large extended family.

Carmen was a wife, mom, grandmother "Buela," great grandmother, relative, and friend to many people. There are not enough words to describe what a special woman she was, to those who knew her. Carmen was an amazing, generous, loving, loyal, funny, honest, caring and beautiful woman. She was an incredible cook and had the true gift of "hospitality." She could captivate you with her smile and quick wit. She was active in her church for many years. Raising nine children, she not only expected the best from you, but you left her presence "feeling that you could do your best." The strength that was the foundation to everything she did in life was her "faith in God." She was a devout Catholic. Carmen loved all of her family unconditionally, and showed it.

She will be greatly missed by all.