Jose Sanchez Vargas

Jose Sanchez Vargas passed away the evening of August 30th, 2023 with his family by his side. Jose was born November 29, 1948 in Eagle Pass, Texas to Estanislado Vargas, originally of Mexico, but settled in Texas and Adela Sanchez of Texas. He was the fourteenth of fifteen children. Like many families in 1950s, the Vargas family traveld to the Yakima Valley as migrant workers eventually settling in Toppenish, WA. Jose followed in his father’s and brothers’ footsteps and worked the land, primarily driving tractor and irrigating crops. He was a man of his word who took great pride in his work. Above all, Jose loved his family, camping, laughing, the beach, the color blue, all Buicks and Old Spice. In 1976 Jose met Melva Maxine Ramsey of Eugene, OR and it was love at first sight. Upon laying eyes on her, he knew that she was the woman he was going to marry and he did. True to their nature it took his great patience, as Maxine, always fiercely independent, pretended to not want to get married. They were married by the Justice of the Peace on July 15, 1977 and by the St. Aloysisus Catholic Church on August 18, 1979. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t have done for her. The stories the two shared of their drives and playful antics demonstrated the wholesomeness of their love. One of Jose’s greatest achievements was to purchase a house of his own and he did in 1980. Always a family man, he made sure his home was constructed not far from his beloved mother’s house so that family could visit every weekend and wave at each other while driving past on the way home. It was here that Jose and Maxine raised their children, Robert Ignacio, Amber Rose, Joanna Anastasia, Melissa Rae and Estanislado Matthew. The greatest wish for Jose and Maxine was that all their children would pursue a higher education. With this in mind, following the birth of his first two children, Jose made the brave decision to pursue a degree at YVCC which he did while continuing to work the land and support his growing family. Tongue in cheek, he would often joke that he held the record for longest time to complete an A.A. After receiving his A.A. Jose began working for the Granger School District as an attendance counselor and Migrant Home Visitor. When asked about his job he spoke from experience and offered guidance. “Parents have to stress it to kids, especially about getting to school on time, I have five kids who are all ready for school by 7 a.m. It can be done. We help parents see the specific problem and assist them in working out practical solutions.” The passion he had for helping students succeed was and is evident in the number of former Spartan students and parents as well as colleagues who all speak, not only to his dependability and humor, but his genuine concern for the students of the lower valley. Many people remember his smile, soft voice and listening ear all of which made them feel heard and seen, perhaps for the first time. And heaven forbid you were a student who was walking away from school or absent, the rumbling noise of his 1975 Buick behind you or slowly pulling into your drive was enough to send you running to school, not out of fear, but out of respect for a man whom you did not want to disappoint. Having lived in the same house for more than four decades, his house was the site of numerous family gatherings. He took great pride in his yard which he kept sharp by watering, fertilizing and never cutting too short. The neighborhood was accustomed to his presence either working in the yard, tinkering in the shed, or most often, sitting on the porch. He would wave at pedestrians and motorists alike; keeping track of those who ran the stop signs, skipped school, or trekked to the local store down the street. Those who knew him would come to expect his greeting and even those who did not know him came to count on his presence as he would often wave at people passing by just to see if they would greet him back. Such an impact did he have on those he knew that many would stop by to drop off fresh produce or share important news although, most simply wanted to feel heard and share a good laugh. As he aged, it was not uncommon for people to stop by to check on him if they had not seen him out for a while. The stories, nicknames and jokes were always abundant. Visiting with Jose surely meant leaving with a side stitch, tears in the eyes and somehow lighter of heart. Jose is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Tomacita, Ignacio, Anastacia, Leopoldo, Catarina, Narcisa, Juanita, Maria, Petra, Esiquio, Teresa and Irma, He is survived by his wife Maxine; children Robert (Valerie) Vargas, Amber (Emanuel Gonzalez) Vargas, Joanna (Audel) Chavez, Melissa Vargas and Matthew (Adrianna) Vargas; fourteen grandchildren (Saul, Isabelle, Mariela, Lisette, Reuben, Isaiah, Viviana, Gabriela, Natalie, Fabian, Ava, Tuari, Annabelle and Mariana) and his sisters Marie and Berta. His simple presence every day for the entirety of his life guaranteed that you felt loved, appreciated and safe. Although difficult, it was our honor to be present as you climbed into your Buick, and with one final wave and just a hint of Old Spice, shut the door and drove home. Until we meet again, much love from us all.

Jose Sanchez Vargas

November 29, 1948 - August 30, 2023

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Jose Sanchez Vargas

November 29, 1948 - August 30, 2023

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