Reyes Coward of Yakima, WA, age 92, passed on to the place her Lord prepared for her on Thursday, October 4th, 2012.

Reyes was born to Jesse Coward and Lupe Peña in Falfurrias, TX on January 20th, 1920. She was orphaned by an epidemic in 1922. She was raised by her grandmother, her uncles, aunts and great grandmother, an Aztec princess and skilled healer. Reyes was feisty and bright. At her great-grandmother's side, she learned healing cures which she shared with her family over the years. We loved to hear the stories she loved to tell about the early years.

At 17, Reyes caught the eye of Horatio Phillips. They were married for many years and began a large family. Reyes worked in the cotton fields and did restaurant work to help make ends meet. As the children, twelve in all, grew older, they helped too. Times were often hard and Reyes suffered the loss of two sons there in Texas.
In the sixties, Reyes and many of her children ventured to Washington State to live in Yakima. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life and she was their beacon of light who always listened and told them to "talk to the King". It is her greatest hope that everyone will be with her again in Heaven.

Reyes lived humbly and enjoyed being outside tending her chickens and enjoying nature. She loved worshipping at Templo De La Hermosa. We loved hearing her sweet, soft voice sing the praise songs.

Reyes Coward, "Grandma", to those who loved her, had a full life. Her quick wit, wisdom, strength and warmth endeared her to others. Her counsel will echo in our hearts.

Reyes was preceded in death by her sons Israel and David Phillips, by her grandson Mickae Trevino, and by her granddaughter Joana Riojas.