Alicia Gomez Reyes

October 10, 1934 — March 22, 2022

Alicia Reyes was born in Crystal City, Texas, the Spinach Capital of the World. She is survived by her oldest son Henry Estrada Jr., son Xavier Estrada, daughter Connie Estrada and daughter Diana Estrada. Her youngest daughter Enriqueta (Katie) Reyes passed away in 2012. Alicia was married to Henry Estrada Sr. and later to Juan Reyes, both of whom have passed away already. Alicia also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Alicia was a fiercely independent woman way ahead of her time. Even before Helen Reddy came out with her iconic song “I am Woman,” Alicia had been roaring for many years already and she was being heard. My mother Alicia was the hardest-working person I ever knew, attacking every job and every task with an energy and vigor matched by few. It seemed as if the fiercely independent spirit of the Alamo ran through her veins. She was pure Texan through and through. No job, no task, no challenge, no obstacle was too big for her to conquer. As a young woman with four little children to take care of, she survived by using her wits, her hard work ethic, her ingenuity and her fortitude. Of course, as an adult she learned English by reading Nancy Drew books, Look magazines and Reader’s Digest. With only a sixth-grade education and earning her GED as an adult, she managed to qualify as a lab technician at Lamb-Weston in Connell, Washington.

Alicia was the inspiration for her children to also work hard and get the most out of life. Her son Henry is the mirror image of his mother when it comes to working hard. After all, she was his example. Alicia was an amazing cook. Her food was legendary with her co-workers and friends alike. Her fresh-made flour tortillas, her famous carne guisada dishes, her chicken mole, everything she made left all wanting for more. As a missionary, she inspired me to use her cooking skills to cook and bless the lives of the people of Georgia as I cooked Mom’s famous dishes for them. Connie and Diana both emulate Mom in her cooking skills as well. Alicia was a natural born leader of people. She always stepped up and became the spoke person for large groups of people, especially among her co-workers. Alicia spoke her mind and she influenced many with her decisive spirit.

Alicia loved her children; she sacrificed all for her children so that we could have a better life than she had. And she succeeded. (Thank you, Mom, for all you did for us.) So now, with her passing, she leaves behind a great legacy filled with love and good sound principles.

So many grandchildren, so many great grandchildren, so many friends. Her influence will be felt for many generations to come. Alicia Gomez Reyes leaves this world a much better place for having lived a good life. We will miss you, Mom.

Services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, March 26, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Warden, Washington.