Roberto Zuniga Romero

My precious, loving soulmate took Jesus’s hand Friday morning November 9, 2018 at 1:30AM.  He was surrounded by his doggies and his loving wife, Lanetta.  Jesus lifted Robert out of his bed, took him in His loving arms and carried him to Heaven; after a long painful 10 months of treatments and medications with metastatic liver cancer, his body could no more.

Robert grew up in the Catholic Church (St. Patrick) and was mentored by Father Pat, who he thought so highly of.  He loved his church family.  Father Pat asked him to teach 3 of their new priests to drive a car, which Robert was proud to do.  The Challenge was that these priests had only ridden donkeys all their lives.  He successfully taught them to drive and they got their drivers licenses.

Another Special highlight in his life was to be Santa’s helper at St. Patrick, people’s homes and Christmas parties.  He dearly loved children and he loved seeing the joy in their faces and the screams of excitement when they heard “Santa’s” bells.  His brother Richard bought him his first Santa outfit and when he wore that out his mom made him a professional one.  When he doned the wig and the beard, he didn’t even look like Robert.  He loved bringing in the Santa bag with all the food, goodies and the toys, having each child on his lap telling him what they wanted for Christmas.  They would get down and Santa’s other helpers would give them a present.  Robert lived for Christmas.

Robert worked various student help jobs when he was younger including Wa-Hi and Walla Walla Community College as custodian.  His brother Richard Zuniga recommended him for the job at WWCC where he was hired and made a successful career of working hard for 39 more years on their payroll,  all while helping his diabetic mother Lupe Zuniga during and through her losing both legs.  He took primary care of her and worked full-time as well as kept up with the home chores.  Robert was very proud and thankful for his career at WWCC. Everyone knew and loved him and he loved everyone.  He loved mentoring students, took interest in their lives, and he prayed for them.  He loved his co-workers and they had a real bond.

Robert met and married his soulmate.  They met in 1998 and got married August, 7 2005.  Robert and Lanetta honeymooned by working at the Southeastern Washington Fair as Security Staff and enjoyed it so much they continued for over 10 years.

Robert and Lanetta joined Amazing Grace Nazarene Church in 2010.  Robert did various volunteer work such as being part of the grounds crew, part time assistant custodian, being part of Men’s Fellowship group, small prayer groups for Pastor Paul, and being wherever he was needed.  He loved serving coffee and cookies during the fellowship times.  He and his wife were part of the awesome Quilting Bee-he being the only guy.

We are so thankful to our wonderful hospice team, Alessandra, our Social Worker, Michael and Lisa our Hospice nurses, and Terry our Hospice Chaplain.  No one knows just what blessings and encouragement they were during the dark and confusing times.  We owe a huge thank you to Dr. Quackenbush, Danelle Johnson and Dr. Jeannie Parker.  If Jeannie hadn’t ordered extra tests for him the cancer may not have been found and he may not have lived this long.  Thanks to our local Cancer Society.

Robert left behind his soulmate and wife of 14 years Lanetta, His brother and sister-in-law Richard and Francis Zuniga, his niece Valerie and (Jo Jo) and great-nephews, Princeton and Caden La Rogue, Amanda and (Roman) great-nephew Ezra Elyah as well as nephew Ricky and (Di Di) and great-nephew Zion.

Viewing and Visitation will be held Sunday, November 18, 2018 from 1:00-5:00PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.   The Celebration of Life will be held Monday, November 19, 2018 at Amazing Grace Nazarene Church at 10:00AM.   Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Amazing Grace Church of Nazarene through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.