In Memory is dedicated to YVC alumni, faculty and staff who have passed away. It offers a place where the YVC community can remember friends and loved ones.
Emma Sandoval
Retired Office Assistant
Emma Sandoval, 66, of Prosser, died July 15, 2025, at Sunnyside Community Hospital. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Sandoval was deeply committed to volunteer work and mentoring youth within her faith.
She spent her formative years in Utah and attended Brigham Young University, where she built lasting connections. Her dedication to service extended to mission work in Tuba City, Ariz. and throughout her life she remained focused on giving back in any way she could.
Sandoval retired from YVC’s Grandview Campus, where she was known for her warmth and commitment to students and staff.
John A. Olson
Retired Custodian
John A. Olson, 66, of Moxee, died peacefully in Yakima on June 30, 2025. Born September 2, 1958 in Bagley, Minn., Olson moved with his family to Washington and grew up in the Sunnyside area.
After graduating high school, Olson enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for six years. His time abroad shaped his worldview and instilled a lifelong appreciation for diverse cultures and beliefs.
Olson joined Â鶹ÊÓƵ in 1988 as a part-time custodian and became full-time staff the following year. He retired in 2023 but returned briefly to part-time work before stepping away earlier this year.
Known for his easygoing nature and love of the outdoors, Olson was an avid hunter and a familiar face in the Moxee community. He could often be found walking the neighborhood or enjoying coffee at Mugshotz Café, always ready with a smile and a story.
Delma Tayer
Retired Larson Gallery Director, Dean, Instructor
Delma Tayer, a pioneering figure in Yakima’s arts and education communities, died March 22, 2025, at her home in Selah. She was 101.
Born in 1924, Tayer moved to Yakima in the 1940s, marrying Harold Tayer in 1947, and raising their son, Stephen. After becoming a wife and mother, she pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and completing coursework for an MFA in art from Central Washington State College (now Central Washington University).
Tayer taught English, art history and humanities at YVC, eventually chairing the division of languages and literature. From 1985 to 1990, she served as dean of arts and sciences and was director of the Larson Gallery from 1977 to 1989.
Under her leadership, the Larson Gallery transformed from a volunteer-run space into a professionally managed center for the arts. She helped establish the Larson Gallery Guild, ensuring the gallery’s survival and growth during a critical time.
After retiring, Tayer converted her garage into a studio and continued creating art in various media, including painting, ceramics and collage. She remained active in the local arts community until her passing, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, leadership and service.
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA ’05, communications consultant.