Margarita Hernandez

Margarita Hernandez, 80, went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sept. 23, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family. Born in Dilley, Texas, she spent her childhood playing outdoors on the prairies with her beloved brothers and sisters.   

Margarita was a woman of many talents and passions. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and leaving loving comments for her family and friends on Facebook. A lifelong fan of the Seattle Mariners, Dallas Cowboys and Gonzaga basketball, Margarita always cheered her teams on with passion.  

She also had a deep connection with her faith, actively participating in Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Her life was centered on her involvement in Mass, choir, the Sacred Heart Guild and the Cursillo Movement. She blessed everyone as they left her home, offering words of faith and protection. Her strong devotion to Jesus and the Virgin Mary guided her throughout her life.  

She began working as a farm laborer in Texas before moving to Moses Lake, Wash., with her family in 1958. Margarita had nine children, whom she cherished dearly.  She was blessed by her first child at age 15 and her youngest at age 40. She was married in 1959 and welcomed five beloved children into the world: Cindy (who lived one day), Debbie, Bonnie, Danny and Little Noonie (Leland Jr.). After her divorce, Margarita became a single mother, working tirelessly to provide for her children. In 1972, Margarita met the love of her life, Hector Hernandez. Together they had four beautiful children: Mary, Genoveva, Florentino and Isidra. One of the greatest challenges Margarita faced was when her son, Little Noonie, was diagnosed with leukemia in 1970. For six years, she supported him through countless treatments which required long stays in Seattle. His passing in 1976 left a void in her heart, but she remained resilient in her faith and love for her family.  

From a young age, Margarita’s life was dedicated to her family and included helping to raise Genoveva’s boys, Nick Bailey and Richie Ambris, and Juanita’s boys, Davey and Dylan Smouse.  

Margarita was an amazing cook, always greeting her guests with the phrase, "¿Ya comiste?" (Did you eat already?). Her specialties, such as tamales, enchiladas, caldo de res, biscuits, potato soup and strawberry pound cake trifle were staples at family gatherings.  

Margarita also loved music, dancing, and attending celebrations with her extended family. Her lively footwork at family fiestas was legendary. Nothing meant more to her than her family. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, resilience and joy. Perhaps now, in the peace of Heaven, you will finally meet Elvis, Margarita. We are blessed to know you are watching over us from above. Rest in peace, dear Mama. You will be deeply missed, but your love and light will remain in our hearts forever. 

Margarita is survived by her children Debbie (Gerardo) Perez, Bonnie (Rey) Rodriguez, Danny (Jennifer) Jones, Mary (Eric) Hatfield, Genoveva (Robert) Ambris, Florentino (Chrissy) Hernandez and Isidra Hernandez (Jason Tusa), 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. 

Margarita was preceded in death by her husband, Hector Hernandez, her children: Cindy Jones and Leland Jones, Jr (Little Noonie), her parents Antonia and Gerardo Garcia, grandson Juan M. Vasquez (Pooky), sister Ramona Rodriguez, and brothers Marcelino Garcia and Alvino Garcia.   

A visitation will be held Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, from noon to 4 p.m. at Kayser's Chapel of Memories. On Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, Rosary will be held at 10 a.m. followed by mass at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Moses Lake, Wash. 

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://bit.ly/MHERNANDEZ1. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.