Ricky Jason York

Ricky Jason York passed peacefully with loved ones by his side on December 19, 2025.

Ricky was born on November 3, 1951, to Basil and Tudy (Alta) York. He was the fourth of five sons. Ricky attended school in Wapato, Washington.

In 1970, Ricky met his soul mate, Paulette Little. They were married in December 1972. Together they had three daughters, Lori, Jeanne, and Rickette. Ricky worked different jobs while supporting his family. He worked for many years at Morrison Fruit as a tractor driver alongside his brother Johnny and a few close friends. He left Morrison's to work for Western RV in Union Gap, where he was a cabinet maker and then the groundskeeper. His last job was with Legends Casino, where he was a blackjack dealer. He spent a great deal of time working for the casino. He really enjoyed his years as a card dealer, as Ricky was very much a people person and talking to strangers came easily for him. Ricky retired from Legends in 2019 to be home with his wife, Paulette, and to help care for her.

Ricky and Paulette loved to travel. They enjoyed taking many trips to Disneyland. Another hobby they enjoyed quite often was camping. They loved camping with their family and friends. Their favorite place to camp was Government Landing. He loved boating and would often spend the day out on the sand dunes.

Ricky loved Christmas, and every year from the time his daughters were all very young until last year with his great-grandchildren, he played Santa at every family Christmas Eve get-together. He always made sure to stop shaving in time to have his Santa beard in full effect. Doing this for his friends and family brought him so much joy and was very dear to his heart.

Rick and Paulette’s favorite pastime was Bingo. After the loss of Paulette, he would still frequently go play. His favorite Bingo hall was St. Joe's in Union Gap.

Rick was one of the friendliest men you would ever meet. He could walk into a room of strangers and walk out with a new friend. He loved to listen to music. He enjoyed going to Karaoke and watching his favorite band, XYZ and the Boomers. His daughters can all recall his favorite songs that he would sing to them on their many road trips. He even sang a few of them in his last days.

Ricky is preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Tudy York, and his older brothers, Stevie, Bubby, and Johnny York. Most recently, he lost his baby brother, Larry York, in 2024. In 2019, he lost the love of his life, Paulette, to her battle with diabetes.

Rick is survived by his daughters Lori and (Morris) Woods of Zillah, Jeanne and (Ruben) Valdez of Zillah, Rickette York of Buena, and his other daughter in every sense of the word, Margarita Purdy of Sunnyside.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Cathy (aka Jackie) Manuel Aguirre of Toppenish.

He was known as Poppy to his 7 grandchildren: Taylor Woods, Ruben Valdez, Ethan Valdez, Kylie Woods, Alexander Valdez, Mariah Chapman, and Chance York. He also has 7 great-grandchildren: Hayden Woods (Polina), Mason Rogers, Saylor and Henry Lee, Mercy, Avery, and Lenyx Valdez. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. His grandchildren meant the world to him. He was a very proud grandfather. The memories of Poppy will live on in these kids forever.

Viewing and funeral service will be held at Valley Hills Funeral Home 607 2nd Ave, Zillah, WA on December 29, 2025 starting at 1:00 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the Spotlight Studio on 512 2nd Ave, Zillah, WA 98953.