Augustine Rodriguez Villanueva

1948 - 2022

Augustine Rodriguez Villanueva
February 10, 1948 - January 20, 2022
Richland, Washington - Augustine Rodriguez Villanueva was called home to heaven on Thursday, January 20th, 2022 at approximately 3:12 AM. Augustine (Augie) was born February 10th, 1948 in Tallulah, Louisiana to Antonia Rodriguez Gonzales and her second husband, Jose Villanueva. His family migrated throughout the Southern United States working as farmworkers. The family eventually relocated to Washington State in the late 1950's. Augustine met the love of his life, Juana Zoleta in August of 1970. They were married on August 27, 1971 and Augie moved to Matamoros, Mexico to be with his new wife and work on assisting to gain her US citizenship. He learned the construction trade during those years working as a construction worker in Brownsville and McAllen, Texas where he commuted every day from Mexico to work. He truly loved learning the trade and would, often, race his co-workers to see who could hammer in a nail the fastest. Of course, he always won as it only took him one hit of the hammer to accomplish his goal.
Augie and Juanita continued to live in Mexico and on July 22, 1972, they were blessed with their oldest child, Jose Agustin Zoleta Villanueva (deceased April 26,1991). They were able to move back to Connell, WA on May 26,1974 and Augie bought and remodeled a small home for his young family. They were blessed with a second child, Elizabeth Zoleta Villanueva on March 30, 1978. He continued to work in the construction trade in Othello, WA until beginning work at the North Franklin School District in May 1981 until his retirement in July 2006.
Augie was a lifelong compassionate giver. Almost everyone who ever knew him or came into contact with him has a story of how he helped someone during their times of need - financial donations, labor or in whatever way he was needed. He was always quick to help and never questioned why his help was needed or how much or for how long.
Augie was an amazing and beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa, friend, extended family member - whatever title he was given by those who loved him, he was loved beyond measure. Everyone has a story of how blessed they were to know him in whatever arena of life their life paths crossed: through work, familial relations, community and church activities or just a brief encounter on the street. He was a playful uncle especially in his younger years. He would take his numerous nieces and nephews on hair raising sand dune rides, inner tubing in the snow, snowball fights, fishing and swimming in lakes and rivers. He was always ready for an adventure, had a joke handy to cheer you up and he loved being the head grillmaster at all bbq get-togethers whether he was the host or not. If there was a competitive grill chef, he took his own little grill to make sure he was reserved a grill master spot. No party attendee where he was present ever left hungry and always left with a heavy to-go plate just in case. In later years, his playfulness spread to his dearly loved grandchildren who he would have moved the sun and moon for. He especially enjoyed hunting with his grandson Gage who he bragged about often as an excellent marksman and as a hunter who saved his money to pay for his own taxidermy services.
He will be deeply missed but he transitions to the resurrected life that Jesus came to give us as he joins all those who have gone before him and preceded him in death. These include his parents, Jose and Antonia Villanueva, oldest child, son, Jose Augustin Zoleta Villanueva, siblings,Trinidad, Jesse, Beatrice, Ustolia,Harry, Rebecca, Erminia, Manuel, John and Mary as well as many extended family members. He is survived by his wife Juana, his daughter Elizabeth, son in law Kyle Bauer, grandchildren Lisette (OJ Suarez), Gage, Conrad, Ava and great granddaughter, Leila Jane as well as all those who loved him and called him Papa- Hunter and Traiven, and siblings Janie Ramos and Frank Villanueva.
Services will all be held at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 220 S. Dayton, Connell, WA. 99326
Friday, January 28, 2022,
Viewing: Prior to rosary 5-6 PM, Rosary: 6 PM
Saturday: January 29, 2022
Bilingual Funeral Mass 10 AM
No burial at his request
Reception at Parish Hall after services.