Obituary

Elida (Maria) Castaneda, age 92 passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024. Elida was born on August 25, 1932, to Enrique and Francesca Ruiz in Mercedes, Texas. On March 25, 1949, she married the love of her life, Frank Castaneda. Together they moved to Whatcom County in 1957 and in 1967, began their family legacy at their farm on Ten Mile Road. Elida was a force on the family farm, keeping a spotless home and enough food to feed the masses. The farm was a place of security and comfort for many.

In her earlier years, Elida worked at both Lynden Department Store and JCPenney’s. She was proud to be a buyer for the children’s department. When Elida wasn’t working outside the home, you could find her volunteering as a homeroom mother at her children’s schools or sewing magnificent dresses and costumes for her children and later, her grandchildren. Elida believed in hard work and looking your best. You could often find her dolled up for a night out on the town for dancing or BINGO. Her and Frank enjoyed their trips to Reno whenever they had the chance.

Elida was an avid gardener and was especially fond of her heirloom irises, rose bushes and a meticulously mowed lawn. She shared what she had freely with those she loved – whether it be a hot meal or an extra room – Elida was a consistent caregiver throughout her life, for her parents, siblings, children and grandchildren. She will be missed by all who love her and who she loved so well.

Elida was a member of the Catholic Community, spending most of her years and family celebrations of faith at St. Joseph’s Church in Lynden. She consistently prayed for her loved ones and knew where her eternal home would be.

Elida is proceeded in death by her husband, Frank Castaneda who has waited for her for 23 years, her parents, brother Hank and sister Rebecca, son-in-law Herbert Ryan and daughter-in-law Brenda Castaneda. She is survived by her six loving children: Frank (Karen) Castaneda, Robert (Patty) Castaneda, Yvonne Ryan, Sonja (Greg) Wolf, Letizia (Chris) Bryan and Roe (Melody) Castaneda. She was beloved Yaya to Her 18 grandchildren: Frank Jr. (and April), Roberto (and Mary), Christopher (and Lisa), Gina (and Chris), Travis (and Donna), Miguel (and Jennifer), Michelle (and Martin), Michael (and Lindsey), Mark (and Elyse), Alexis (and Kileigh), Alicia (and Tanner), Joshua (and Jennifer), Jonas, Jessica, Rollie (and Bethany), Leah (and Brent), Aaron (and Andrea) and Patrick (and Francia) and Her 31 (with one more on the way) Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving her are her brother Heriberto (Patricia) Ruiz and sister-in-law Joan Ruiz.

A Mass of Christian Burial to honor Elida’s life will take place on Thursday, September 26, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, located at 205 12th St., Lynden, WA 98264. A graveside committal will follow at 1:00 PM at Greenacres Memorial Park, 5700 Northwest Dr., Ferndale, WA 98248.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Stafholt Health and Whatcom Hospice for the care and love shown to our mother and Yaya.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Whatcom Hospice Foundation.