Desiree "Dezi" Sunford

Desiree “Dezy” (Kast) Sunford, 30, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013 in her home in Yakima, the victim of a homicide. Desiree was the daughter of Keith and Connie Kast of Moses Lake and the wife of Scott Sunford of Yakima. Born and raised in Moses Lake, Desiree was always hard working, honest, kind, and had a great sense of humor. She loved animals and was a member of 4-H, showing rabbits and sheep at local county fairs. She also took dance classes and played softball. As a teenager, a love for restoring her 1969 Chevelle taught Dezy to become quite the mechanic. She could get greasy with the best of them and reveled in surprising parts store countermen as she rattled off the list of parts needed for projects with precision and accuracy. Desiree and her then future husband, Scott, shared a love of muscle cars and would take the Chevelle to car shows in the summer. After a wreck, it was obvious that they would restore it together, again. Following graduation from Moses Lake High School in 2000, Dezy went on to Central Washington University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She and Scott were married November 27, 2003, and he was immediately deployed to Iraq. Following his return and her graduation, Desiree worked as a substitute teacher in Moses Lake and surrounding districts. During a second deployment, she completed her Masters Degree in Education in 2008. The couple then moved to Yakima, where Dezy secured a full time position as an art teacher at Wapato Middle School. She loved the staff and had great passion for her work with students, as evidenced by her dedication. She was a kind, gentle and energetic teacher, giving of herself and her time with afterschool activities, even taking students to art competitions. Over the past several years, Desiree found a passion for motorcycles. She purchased her own bike and the couple became dedicated members of the Combat Veterans United motorcycle organization in Yakima, filling their weekends with charity work. Dezy was also dedicated to family, always making time to celebrate the holidays together and looked forward to the yearly family camping trip. Our hearts are shattered at the loss of our beloved Dezy. She will remain in our memories forever, and we are better off because she touched our lives. Her infectious smile, sparkling eyes and zest for life will be greatly missed. We will say our final goodbye to her on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy Street, Moses Lake, WA, at 11 am. She will then be laid to rest at Guarding Angels Cemetery with her father, Keith, and sister, Echo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Desiree Sunford Memorial Fund at any Sterling Savings Bank.

Desiree "Dezi" Sunford

August 26, 1982 - April 7, 2013