Moxee, WA - Delores (Stickel) Boss

February 7, 1934 - March 20, 2026

Delores (Stickel) Boss was born in Yakima on February 7, 1934. After a lifetime in the community, she entered into eternal peace on March 20, 2026, in Yakima, at the age of 92.

Born to Emil and Lena (Reiman) Stickel, Delores grew up in a large, close knit family and graduated from Moxee High School in 1952. She first met Keith Boss in the 5th grade, and they reconnected in high school in 1950, beginning a lifelong partnership.

After high school, Delores worked at Food Machinery Co. in Yakima and later at Standard Finance Company, while Keith served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956.

In 1957, Delores and Keith were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Yakima. Together they shared nearly 69 years of devotion, partnership, and family.

In 1958, Keith enrolled at Oregon State University in Corvallis, and Delores went to work for the Department of Agriculture while he completed his degree in Agronomy.

After his college graduation in 1960, they returned to the Yakima Valley. In 1962, they purchased property in Moxee and began farming both independently and alongside Keith's father.

They later built their family home in Moxee, completing it in 1970. During these years, Delores also worked in several local jobs, balancing work, family, and farm life with steady grace.

Their son, Patrick, was born in 1966, followed by their daughter, Kimberly, in 1969. Delores cherished raising her children and supporting their activities.

In the 1970s, she worked as a Teacher's Assistant at Moxee Elementary School, where she was beloved for her kindness and patience.

In 1980, Delores and Keith opened a fresh produce stand (The Corn Crib) on North 1st Street in Yakima, which they operated until 1992. It became a trusted place for local families, reflecting their deep roots in the community and the pride they took in their work.

She later managed the gift shop at the Washington State Fruit Commission for most of the 1990s and into the early 2000s, a role she enjoyed and took great pride in.

Delores and Keith were active in supporting Patrick's and Kimberly's school and sports activities, especially attending their basketball games at East Valley High School during the 1980s.

They also loved to travel, enjoying memorable trips together and with family to Hawaii, Florida, Nevada, California, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and Australia. One of their favorite traditions was visiting Lake Chelan each year, a place that brought them joy and relaxation. Delores also enjoyed playing the slot machines occasionally, finding fun in the simple thrill of it.

Delores found joy in stamping, gardening, and baking, and she was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Yakima, singing in the choir for many years. Her faith and church community were central to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Lorraine, Harold, Wilmer, Robert (Bob), Arline, and Florence (Joe); and her grandson, Conner Boss. Delores is survived by her husband, Keith; her son, Patrick Boss, and his wife, Danielle; her daughter, Kimberly Karg; her grandchildren, Caitlin Boss, Courtney Karg, Haley Karg, and Jody Karg Reyes; and her three great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She especially treasured seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren throughout her later life, finding joy in every visit and milestone.

Delores valued life's simple and enduring pleasures -- family gatherings, shared stories, and long standing relationships. Her warmth, kindness, and quiet humor made her a beloved presence to all who knew her.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, medical staff, and friends who supported her with compassion and dignity in her final days.

A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on April 11, 2026 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Yakima and/or the Conner Boss Memorial Music Scholarship in Moses Lake in her memory.

Delores will be deeply missed and forever cherished.