Rene "Feeny" Woods-Zavaleta

January 6, 1969 – September 19, 2024

Kennewick, Washington –At the age of 55, Rene Woods-Zavaleta passed away peacefully at home with his life-partner Hunter Woods-Zavaleta and their much-loved dogs on September 19th, 2024.

Born on January 6th 1969, Rene was the 13th of fourteen Zavaleta children raised in Kennewick, Washington. He was the youngest of the six sons of Manual and Concepcion Zavaleta. Times were tough but the large family was tougher and often fondly reminisced about their childhood memories of "working the fields", small town living, and sibling adventures. Rene was surrounded by and raised with the help of his older siblings. At a young age he was taught the value of hard work, the importance of family and the traditions passed on through the generations.

During his earlier employment pursuits Rene became drawn to and primarily worked in the medical field (mostly administrative). It was his niche and something he was extremely proud of until physical limitations affected his career.

In 2010 Rene met his life partner Hunter Woods. On the first night they met he was already confident they would marry. The two joined their lives and families together on August 10th, 2017, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony. Hunter's work had the couple relocating to Florida, California, and most recently Pennsylvania. Rene was excited for the adventure of the moves and was thrilled with any destination so long as Hunter and their dogs were by his side.

Rene is survived by his husband Hunter Woods-Zavaleta; his mother Concepcion Zavaleta; his siblings, Janie (Mague) Candanoza, Molly (Juan) Leal, Irma (Jesse) Trevino, Arnold (Patricia) Zavaleta, Rolando (MaryLou) Zavaleta, Stella (Juan) Mendoza, Elva Rojas, Gloria Zavaleta, and Lisa Zavaleta; his countless nieces and nephews; and his fur babies, Dark Angel and Cairo "Kai Kai".

He was preceded in death by his father Manuel Zavaleta Sr; his siblings, Maria Sifuentez, Manuel Zavaleta Jr., Mario Zavaleta, and Juan Zavaleta Sr.

Rene was an enthusiastic life-long Mickey Mouse and Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved his family and getting together with friends. Rene could often be found searching out sales or clearance at his favorite department store, Target. He was one-of-a-kind and to know him was to love him. He was deeply connected to the relationships he formed and to the lucky he called "friend"; he was undoubtedly a genuine support throughout all the seasons of life. To the even luckier he called "family", he was an unwavering son, a devoted partner, a loving brother, an encouraging godfather, a supportive uncle, and so much more. He could be relied upon for a trusty ear to vent to or a warm comforting hug quickly followed by a sharp wise-crack, soft chuckle, and dynamic smile. He is already so missed!

On behalf of the ENTIRE Zavaleta family, thank you to all who have reached out and kept our family in your thoughts and prayers. It is during these most difficult times that we get to experience the full strength of care and love from each one of you and we are all eternally grateful!

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rene's life:

Viewing/Rosary – Thursday September 26th @ Hillcrest Funeral and Cremation

224 S. 24th Ave, Pasco, WA.

6:00PM- 8:00PM

Thursday – Please rep the Dallas Cowboys or your favorite NFL team.

Funeral Services – Friday September 27th @ St. Patrick's Catholic Church

1320 W. Henry St. Pasco, WA.

11:00AM

Interment @ Cityview Cemetery

1300 N. Oregon Ave. Pasco, WA.

*Reception to follow interment – St. Patrick's Catholic Gym (South Room)