Helen E. Lunak

Helen E Lunak was born January 26, 1931, in Rose, Oklahoma. She passed peacefully in her sleep April 9, 2023, at the age of 92, in Yakima, Washington.
At a young age, Helen and her family traveled to Washington to find work in agriculture. They settled in Selah, where Helen attended school. She later attended business college in Yakima.
She met and married Ray C. Lester, and they raised two daughters on their farm in Moxee, Washington, where they raised Angus cattle, and numerous other animals. Ray and Helen both became realtors and moved to the West Valley area of Yakima in 1971. After 27 years of marriage, they were divorced but remained friends throughout their life.
Helen went to work managing the Holiday Motor Hotel and El Cids restaurant for Pepsi Cola, where she met and married Frank Lunak. They were married for 30 years, until his passing in 2007.
Helen was an outgoing person with a great sense of humor. She enjoyed watching the Seahawks and the Mariners. Her favorite activity was playing slot machines at the casino while visiting with her friends.
Helen remained at her home after becoming ill with congestive heart failure, and later dementia, with her daughter, Karen, by her side as her caregiver, until April 9, 2023, Easter morning, when she went to be with her heavenly Father, at the age of 92.
Helen was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Lester, granddaughter, Allison York, four great-grandchildren, Tanner Battest, Skyler Battest, Alivia York, and Isabella York, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Lunak, daughter, Cheryl Bilaski, former husband, Ray Lester, her parents, Virgil and Clara Farr, her brothers, Elmer Farr, his wife, Barbra, and Verlin Farr, and his wife, Mary, her sisters, Leona Coal, her husband, Delmer, Annie Bailey, her husband, Bob, Marie Brittingham, her husband, William, Mearl Fullford, and Pearl Strickland, and her nephew John Farr, who held a special place in her heart. She will be greatly missed by all, including her little dogs, Oscar and Gus Gus.
Helen did not wish to have a service.
A special thanks to the doctors and nurses, chaplains and dedicated staff members of the hospice team, who made it possible for Helen to be at home. Thank you all so much. You're a very special group of people. We are lucky to have had you in our lives, your support was priceless.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to the Alzheimer's Association and sent in care of Shaw & Sons Funeral Home (201 N. 2nd Street, Yakima, WA 98901), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.shawandsons.com.
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