Dora C. Reyes

Dora C. Reyes, a Walla Walla resident, age 72, passed away on November 11, 2017. Dora was born in Edinburg, TX, on September 1, 1945, to Jose Antonio and Feliciana Castilleja. She was joined two years later by her little sister, Lupe. With her parents seeking agricultural work, Dora took her first trip North at the age of 6 months, traveling from Texas to Washington in the back of a truck while her parents took turns standing and sitting with Dora in their laps. In 1947, her parents decided to stay year round and became one of the first Hispanic families to establish their home in Walla Walla.

In 1951 Dora entered College Place Elementary not knowing any English, with the exception of the basics, such as asking to use the bathroom. By second grade she was being asked by teachers and office staff to interpret for other students. This was the start of a lifelong experience as an interpreter and translator. Dora graduated from Desales Catholic High School in 1963, and in 1964 she graduated from Kinman Business University in Spokane. At that time, it was not customary in Hispanic culture to have children leave home if not for marriage or the military, and her parents were questioned as to why they were going to the trouble of educating their girls if they were only going to go off and get married.

In 1965 Dora started her federal career with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. On April 22, 1967, Dora married Olegario Reyes at St. Patrick Catholic Church and they had three children, Maria Criselda (Crisi), Elsa, and Adrian. In 1970 she resigned from her job to stay home. Five years later, her oldest child, Crisi, was diagnosed with Leukemia and died from the illness in 1979. The following year, Dora returned to the labor force, initially in the private sector and later returning to federal service at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where she worked herself up to the position of Equal Employment Manager. Dora loved her job and retired after 30 years of service, not quite ready, but because health issues prompted her to do so.

Dora lived a life of service to her community. She was one of the founding members of the Latin American Club and IMAGE of Walla Walla as a means of identifying with culture and faith and promoting education. She served on the Board of Trustees for Walla Walla Community College, the Walla Walla Public Library, the Lillie Rice Center, the YWCA, and the Spokane Catholic Diocesan Board. She was extremely involved at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Walla Walla, leading and serving the Latino community with her husband Olegario who is an ordained deacon. Because the deaconate program required wives to accompany their husbands to better understand the ministry, they completed the 5 years of preparation together. This ministry brought opportunities for teaching, learning, and fulfillment to her life. She relied on her never-ending faith in God to maintain positivity and strength.

Despite her many volunteer activities, family always came first to Dora. She expressed absolute pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She had a joy for life and was always willing to try something new. Though teased by her family, she enjoyed watching game shows, shopping on QVC, and playing the penny slot machines at Wildhorse Casino to pass the time.
Dora is survived by her father, Antonio Castilleja; her husband, Olegario; daughter and son-in-law, Elsa and Manuel Escalante of Walla Walla; son and daughter-in- law, Adrian and Eileen Reyes of Spokane; and four grandchildren, Angelica, Aime, Lorenzo, and Mateo.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Feliciana Castilleja; her sister Lupe Munoz; and daughter, Crisi Reyes.

Viewing and Visitation will be held at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, on Sunday, November 19, 2017, from 2 PM. until the Recitation of Rosary at 6 PM.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 20, 2017, at 10 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Graveside services will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, the YWCA, Walla Walla Community College scholarship funds for Latino students, or other organizations of the donor’s choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home 315 W Alder Walla Walla, WA.