Concepcion "Concha" Zavaleta

June 01st, 1930 – July 09th, 2025

Kennewick, Washington – At the wonderful age of 95, Concepcion Zavaleta passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in her home on July 09th, 2025.

Born June 01st, 1930 in Weslaco, Texas to Ruperto and Juana Hernandez, Concha was the 4th of six children. On March 23rd, 1947, she wed the love of her life, Manuel R. Zavaleta Sr. with whom she shared 62 years of marriage and 14 children. Mr. and Mrs. Zavaleta became residents of Kennewick during the 60's and quickly became a safe welcoming space for countless friends and family.

The large Zavaleta family sustained themselves through seasonal migrant work. Their strength, resilience, and bonds developed through back-breaking work and tough times. When gathered they can often be heard fondly reminiscing about their younger years and their experiences that forged their steadfast unity.

Concepcion was a tireless, hard-working matriarch. Her children often brag about their mornings waking to the smell of delicious breakfasts that often consisted of beans, "papas", and tortillas (hecho a mano). After long brutal days of field work, Concha still found the energy to tend to her garden and complete her many household chores without complaint. Her devotion to her family was second to none. Alongside her husband, Concha taught each of her children the value of hard work, the importance of family and responsibility of passing along traditions through the developing generations.

Concha held many interests throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed word-search puzzles, gardening, the Dallas Cowboys, camping, casino outings, and traveling adventures. However, what she loved most was family gatherings. She beamed with intense pride whenever the family came together for barbecues, birthdays, and holidays.

Concha is survived by her children Janie (Mague) Candanoza, Molly (Juan) Leal, Irma (Jesse) Trevino, Arnold (Patricia) Zavaleta, Rolando (Mary Lou) Zavaleta, Stella (Juan) Mendoza, Elva Rojas, Gloria Zavaleta, and Lisa Zavaleta; 38 grandchildren, 89 great-grandchildren, and 48 great-great-grandchildren. To say that her life was filled with love would be a gross understatement.

She was preceded in death by her husband Manuel Zavaleta Sr; her children, Maria Zavaleta, Manuel Zavaleta Jr., Mario Zavaleta, Juan Zavaleta Sr., and Rene Zavaleta.

· On behalf of the ENTIRE Zavaleta family, thank you to all who have reached out and kept our family in your thoughts and prayers. We are truly blessed to be supported and uplifted by so many and cannot easily express the magnitude of our gratitude.