Verla Wapato

Verla Camille Wapato “tamumpám"

She was born on February 16, 1987 in Seattle, WA to Vivian Long and Leonard Wapato. She attendedschool at Chief Leschi, Wapato High School, and received her GED from Yakima Valley CommunityCollege. She also completed work certifications from TERO in construction.

Verla loved spending time with her family and was very proud of “My Boy Koi”. She was traditional andenjoyed the mountains. She loved to go hunting, fishing, gathering traditional foods, dancing andlistening to music. She played basketball for Chief Leschi MS and WMS. She was a singer and helpeddrum for Chief Leschi School Group. Her favorite football team was the Steelers. She also loved to cookfor her family. She worked in agriculture, the mountains, Security (Columbia River Gorge), and at a hotelin Yakima.

She is survived by her son Koi Wolftail; siblings: Mathew Jim(Collette), Sadie Richards, Benita Long,Leona Wapato, Loni Long(Scott), Reggie Jaramillo, Melissa Kishwalk, Jolene Hunt, Phylis Smartlowit,Jonathan Salway; Samantha Wapsheli(Lyle); father Leonard Wapato; Aunties, nephews, and nieces:Lillian Salway(Clifford), Georgette Abrahamson, Charlene Richards, Nathan Richards Jr., Roma Jim(Alex),Kenneth Jim, Suevina Jim, Vincent Rehaume-Long, Denise Rehaume-Long, Jaime Jaramillo, LeahJaramillo, Maria Sanchez, Jacqueline Root, Mollie George (Robert), Thompson Parrish, AustinMesplie(Irma), Janel Mesplie, Brandon Kishwalk, and her Loving dog “Spud”. The Telekish, Wahsise,Tashwick, Weahlacoolah and friends of the family; wonderful babysitters: Jenny (Hunnybuns)Miller andBertha Miller. Special Friends: Shanna Tillequots, Chester Morrison and Billy’s boys and daughter; BonusParents: Tom and Betty Spradlin; Grandbabies: Cleon Wahtomy, Ronald Sampson, MarryJane Sampson,Lavinia Jim and all the babies of the families.

She is proceeded in death by her mother Vivian Long, brother’s: Vincent Long, George Kishwalk, UncleKenneth Long, sister’s: Rose Jaramillo, Madaline Long, Denise Long; Grandparents: Sadie Telekish-Long& George Long; Special Friends: Billy Wolftail and Tim Bibsee Jr.

She went to our ancestors on November 3, 2025 due to heart and liver failure.