Cristina Maria and Robert L. May

Cristina Maria May of Yakima passed away peacefully on September 18, 2019 in the early morning hours. She was a courageous fighter, dealing with her Alzheimer’s/dementia, adapting to the many changes in her later years. Cristina was born on December 15, 1931 to Gerardo Escalante and Trinidad Roman. In 1921 her parents immigrated to the USA, settling down in the town of San Ysidro, California. Her father worked as a foreman in home construction.

She had a surviving sister Carmen and a brother Hector. Preceding her in death were her husband Robert, brothers Alfonso, Gerardo, and a sister Lidia. Many of her extended relatives still live in the San Diego area.

Cristina enjoyed reading and playing cards like her mother, Trinidad. She especially enjoyed long walks on the beach in Seaside, Oregon and gardening. Her roses and other flowers were always on display in her home. Her favorite time of year was Christmas – baking treats, decorating the home with light and her many Christmas village decorations. Cristina was dedicated to the responsibilities of caring for the family, many times on her own, while her husband was deployed overseas in the Navy.

They had three children, the oldest Robert Jr., Paul, and Roxanne, resulting in nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was married for 62 years, making Yakima her home for many of those years.

During that time, Cristina would retire from the years she worked at K-mart. Friends, family and caregivers who kept her comfortable in her home soon became Elvis Presley and Tom Cruise fans as she enjoyed both.

There will be a graveside service for both Cristina and Robert May at 11:00 this Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 at Tahoma Cemetery in the veterans section.

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On September 3, 2019, Robert L. May of Yakima, age 87, passed away while at home.

In his later years, Robert endured many health challenges. Born on 9 February 1932 in Spirit Lake, ID to Theodore M. May and Rose L. Dunn, his family moved to Creston, WA where their dad worked for the Lincoln Lumber Co.

He is survived by wife, Cristina, three children, Robert Jr., Paul and Roxanne, sister Edna Armstrong from Yuba City, California, nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by a brother, Norman, and a sister, Betty.

Robert served his country honorably for twenty-six years in the U S Navy. Enlisting right after High School, he achieved the rank of senior chief petty officer. Family has fond memories from when he was stationed in Hawaii and San Diego. Yakima recruiting duty would later bring the family back after Robert retired in 1976. In 1998 he retired from the American Red Cross, office of emergency management, to pursue travels with his wife both locally and abroad especially to spend time on the Oregon coast in Seaside.

Accomplishments were high school sports, YVCC Associate degree and later to pursue business courses at CWU, “Yak to Pac and Bak” bike rides, and restoring his 1967 blue VW bug. He was a strong supporter of the Republican Party, diligently watching media coverage on FOX news. Robert enjoyed attending VP4 and Creston Alumni reunions. There would be a noticeable change in his priorities when professional football was on, especially when the Seattle Seahawks were playing. Other enjoyments were spending time with grandkids and family, eating out, barbequing steaks and cruising around town in his VW bug.

Married for 62 years to his wife, Cristina, who is resting at home with family and friends close by for comfort in this time of loss. Veteran recognition and a service are planned for a later date.