Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. The content is subject to editing to ensure parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Murao Suzuki
Murao “Mura” Suzuki, 85, of Paauilo, died Feb. 16, 2018, at Hilo Medical Center. Born July 18, 1932, in Paauilo, he was a retired machinist from the Hamakua Sugar Co., member of Kongoji Mission in Paauilo, the Paauilo Camp Kumiai and Hilo Lehua Bowling League and a U.S. Army Korean War veteran.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. April 28 at the Paauilo Kongoji Mission Church in Paauilo; memorial service at 11 a.m. Family requests casual attire.
He is survived by nephews, Owen (Jackie) Suzuki of Kailua-Kona and Warren Choda of Maui; nieces, Carol Choda of Haiku, Maui, Sharon (Randall) Elston of Cave Junction, OR, and Arlene (Jon) Emerson of Kula, Maui; sister-in-law, Suga Suzuki of Kailua-Kona.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
James Kauahi
James “Kimo” Liliokalani Kauahi, 70, of Kailua-Kona, died Feb. 28, 2018, at Kona Community Hospital. Born Jan. 6, 1948, in Honolulu, he was a construction worker for Hirano Brothers, a tree trimmer, commercial fisherman and a former member of the Kai O Pua Canoe Club.
A celebration of life will be held at 9 a.m. May 5 at Kahaluu Beach Park, big pavilion. Casual attire is requested.
He is survived by wife, Velma Kauahi of Kailua-Kona; daughter, Wainani Kauahi of Kailua-Kona; hanai daughter, Kalae Yonemura of Kealekehe; hanai son, Leroy Funk of Louisville, Kentucky; mother, Lily Jane Nunies of Honolulu; sisters, Judy Santiago and Mercy Kauahi-Jackson, both of Honolulu, and Willette (David) Coleman of Gardena, California; two grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Jerry Watai
Jerry Watai, 71 of Captain Cook, Hawaii, died April 8, 2018. Born in Papaikou, he was a carpenter, fisherman and coffee farmer.
A celebration of life service will be announced by the ohana at a later date. Online condolences may be posted on www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com.
He is survived by wife Bernalyl Michiko Akahoshi; sons Kaimana Watai of Captain Cook; Kai’ama (Mary Navas) Watai of Captain Cook; Alika Watai of California; daughters Kaiulani Watai of Captain Cook; Kalua (Pat) Watai of California; Geri Watai of California; brothers Alex Watai of Kainaliu; Larry (Thelma) Watai of California; sister; Carol Sakata of Holualoa; 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous extended ohana.
Services provided by Ballard Family Mortuary-Kona.
Mercedes Guillermo
Mercedes Abara Guillermo, 81, of Honolulu and Kona, died April 17, 2018. Born Sept. 24, 1936, in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, she was active with the church and founder and past vice-President of the Ilocano Ancestry Club of Kona.
Celebration of life will be 9:30 a.m. at co-Cathedral St. Theresa with a 1 p.m. burial at Hawaii Memorial Park.
She is survived by daughter Marilyn (Mark) Pettefer; sisters, Petra Sison and Matilda (Carlos) Villones; one grandson; one nephew; one granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
Teruyo Mihara
Teruyo Uyeda Mihara, 90, of Hilo died April 11, 2018, at her residence. Born in Hilo, she was the co-founder, former vice-president and retired office manager for Mihara Transfer, Inc. and member of the Kinoole Baptist Church.
Private services held.
She is survived by daughters, Laurie (Earle) Oshiro of Hilo, Elise (Lawrence Nahakuelua) Nakamura of Hilo, Thalia (Richard) Cunningham of Arizona; brother, Richard (Ellen) Uyeda of Hilo; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Yaeko Aoki
Yaeko “Esther” Aoki, 94, of Hilo, formerly of Pahala, died April 22, 2018, at Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center. Born in Kahului, Maui, she was retired from C. Brewer &Co. and a member of Pahala Hongwanji Mission and Puna Hongwanji Mission.
Friends may call at 9 a.m. May 1 at Dodo Mortuary chapel in Hilo for a 10:30 a.m. service. Friends may again call at noon May 2 at Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No.1 for a graveside committal service and burial.
She is survived by son, Alan Aoki of Seattle; daughters, Esther Aoki of Las Vegas, Kay Aoki of Hilo; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Kevin Carey
Kevin Michael Carey, 62 of Hilo, died April 11, 2018, at home. Born on March 26, 1956, in California, he was a self-employed foreman.
No services are planned at this time.
He is survived by his daughter, Shannon Carey; brother, Edward Carey; sisters, Maureen Hammond, Sharon Laurent, Eileen Lovell, Therese Pontrelli, and Patti Miller; two grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Online condolences: www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary-Hilo.
Kazuo Ogi
Kazuo Ogi, 96 of Hilo, died on March 29, 2018, at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in Hilo, he was a retired PX manager at Pohakuloa Military Training Camp.
Private services held.
He is survived by his son, Alvin I. (Lynn) Ogi of Honolulu; daughter, Pauline K. Kakugawa of Hilo; sisters, Peggy Kohara and Janet Mikami both of Honolulu; two grandchildren.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo.
Leona Wishard
Leona Ann Wishard, 91 of North Kohala, died April 15, 2018, at home. Born on April 25, 1926, in California, she was a former E.R. nurse, and avid tennis player with numerous awards.
Services to be held at 11 a.m. May 12 at Kalahikiola Church in Kohala, reception to follow at the Wishard residence in Waika, Kohala.
Online condolences: www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com
She is survived by her son, Harry D. (Maria Jaramillo) Wishard; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary-Hilo.
Yoshiko Sadayasu
Yoshiko Sadayasu, 102, of Hilo, died April 20, 2018, at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in Honolulu, she was a homemaker and member of Hilo Meishoin.
Private services were held. Family requests no monetary gifts or flowers.
She is survived by sons, James (Anne) Sadayasu and Glenn (Frances) Sadayasu of Hilo; daughter-in-law, Nancy Leslie of Honolulu; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Helen Yugawa
Helen Mieko Akita Yugawa, 93, of Honomu, died March 31, 2018, at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. She was born in Honomu, and was a retired deputy registrar with the State of Hawaii, Department of Health and a member of the Hilo Coast United Church of Christ.
Friends may call for a celebration of life from 9-10 a.m., May 3 at the Dodo Mortuary chapel with a 10 a.m. memorial service. Friends may also call 9 a.m. May 4 at the Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No.2 columbarium for urn committal services. Casual attire, no koden.
She is survived by her daughters, Shelly Y. (James) O’Heron of Honolulu, Linell E. Yugawa of Brookline, Mass. and Arlean M. (William) Rohde of Montgomery, Texas; brothers, Wendell T. (Naomi) Akita of Honolulu and Burton T. (Doreen) Akita of Hilo; one sister-in-law; one brother-in-law; grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc. – Hilo.
Herbert Rapoza
Herbert Rapoza 85, of Hilo died April 1, 2018. Born Aug. 5, 1932, in Aiea, he was a retired heavy equipment operator for Wakamoti Construction.
Services to be held at a later date.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Amina Rapoza of Hilo; daughters, Donna (Tony) Santos of Keaau, Wilene (Walter) Manuia of Hilo, Kathy (Swayne) Brown of Las Vegas, and Gloria Odum of Honolulu; sisters, Grace Seguin of Pahoa, and Evelyn (Tim) Bailey of California; brothers, Manuel (Lisa) Rapoza of California, Harold Rapoza of Honolulu; 14 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo.
Daniel Stauffer
Daniel Charles Stauffer, 76, of Hilo, died April 2, 2018, at his residence. Born in Hastings, Neb., he was a retired mechanical engineer.
No services.
He is survived by wife, Gayla Sayer of Hilo; daughter, Lara Stauffer of Marshalltown, Iowa; two grandsons, numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Emilio Molcilio Jr.
Emilio Molcilio Jr., 82, of Glenwood, died March 12, 2018. Born on Aug. 28, 1935, he was a retired ranch hand/foreman of 47 years at Kahuku Ranch.
A celebration of life was held at mauka, Kahuku Ranch National Park. Online condolences can be sent to: www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com.
He was predeceased in death by son, Randy (Coleen) Molcilio.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Molcilio; children, Yvonn (Ernest) Souza, Irvin (Lita) Molcilio, Debbie (Jay) Molcilio, Valerie (Bernard) Silva, Latty (Ernie Jr.) Ortiz; brother, Roy (Lilly) Perry; sisters, Bella and Margaret; 20 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary-Hilo.
German Ragudo
German R. Ragudo, 85, of Keaau, died March 29, 2018, at Hilo Medical Center. Born Nov. 5, 1932, in Baggoc, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, he was a self-employed papaya farmer and a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hilo.
Services held at Dodo Mortuary Chapel and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hilo, with burial at Homelani Memorial Park.
He is survived by wife, Hermelina Ragudo of Keaau; sons, Victorino (Cresencia) Ragudo and Roland (Nelly) Ragudo, Sr. of Kahului, Maui; daughters, Rosemarie “Rose” (Reynaldo Tamayo) Pasion of Pahala, Arleen Arcellana and Riza Ragudo of Keaau; sisters, Pascuala Rabara and Esperanza Ragudo of Philippines; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Sharron Henry
Sharron Marie Henry, 72, of Keaau, died March 31, 2018, at Pohai Malama Hospice of Hilo. Born Jan. 29, 1946, in Texas, she was a retired secretary for the Department of Public Works.
No services planned.
She is survived by husband, Arthur F. Henry; son, Frederick A. Henry; and daughter, Kimberly M. Henry.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary-Hilo.
Kaikea Davis-Chu
Kaikea Makanaokeakua Davis-Chu, of Honaunau, died March 21, 2018. He was born Jan. 20, 2018.
Memorial Service held at Wawaloli Beach Park in Kailua-Kona.
He is survived by his parents, Beth Ann Davis and Gyvan Lanakila O’Nakoa Tabil-Chu of Honaunau; half-brother Kealoha; half-sister, Ashland Davis; grandmother, Hanna Peipho of Colorado; grandparents Leon and Sabrina Chu of Kailua-Kona; great-grandparents Kimo and Shirley Chu; great-great-grandmother, Catherine Ramos, all of Ewa Beach; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Boone Morrison
Boone M. Morrison, 77, of Volcano, died April 8, 2018, at his home. Born Jan. 8, 1941, in California, he was a freelance residential and historical architect for the Big Island of Hawaii.
Celebration of Life to be planned at a later date.
He is survived by wife, Tamara Wong-Morrison; son, Tyler Boone Morrison; and daughter, Janna Jesse Morrison; three grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary-Hilo.
Agnes Denis
Agnes G. Denis, 92, of Hilo, died April 7, 2018. She was born on Feb. 21, 1926, in Honokaa.
Services held at St. Joseph Church in Hilo, burial at Alae Cemetery.
She is survived by her son, Lawrence (Carol) Denis Jr.; daughter Cynthia Pregana; sisters, Irene (Richard) Ignacio, Violet Gonsalves, Elsie (Matt) Heneralan; one daughter-in-law; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous cousins.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary-Hilo.
Harue Chapman
Harue Kita Chapman, 99, died March 11 at Ka Punawai Ola in Kapolei, Oahu. Born April 23, 1918, in Hyogo, Japan, she was a silk weaver until World War II, and retired as a cook.
Services were held at Soka Gakkai International Kaikan in Honolulu.
She is survived by her children, Michael Chapman of Honolulu; Kay DeMello (Peter) of Kailua-Kona; Alice (Tim) Mimaki of Mililani; two grandchildren.
Arrangements by Hosoi Mortuary Honolulu.
Robert Wiggers
Robert “Bob” Edwin Wiggers, 77, of Mountain View, died Apr. 22 at his residence. Born in Batavia, Indonesia, he was an ordained minister, welder, plastic fabricator, musician and member of the former musical group, “The Hideaways.”
Private services will be held in Hawaii and Canada.
He is survived by wife, Charlotte “Tina” Wiggers of Mountain View; sons, Edwin P. Wiggers of Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada, Marvin P.L. (Holly) Wiggers of Maui, Joel R.T. (Peace) Wiggers of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada; daughters, Dawn M. (Ryan) Wiggers of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Deborah M. (Troy) Soderstrom of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada; brothers, Ferdinand (Eddy) Wiggers of Holland, Ernst (Doreen) Wiggers of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Eddie (Joyce) Wiggers of Holland; 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Amanda Faifai
Amanda Evalani Rivera Faifai, 56, of Kailua-Kona, died March 20, 2018, at Life Care Center of Kona. Born July 7, 1961, in Kealakekua, she was a front desk attendant at the King Kamehameha Hotel, Royal Sea Cliff and Manele Bay on Lanai and a gas station cashier on Lanai.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. May 5 at the Honaunau Rodeo Arena in Honaunau.
She is survived by brothers, Bernard (Lee) Hu of Naalehu, Richard (Nova) Rivera and Guy (Jeri) Rivera all of Holualoa; sisters, Bernice (Clayton) Jiminez of Waipahu, Oahu, and Glenda (Richard) Glaser of Kailua-Kona; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
John Aguiar
John T. “Mac” Aguiar, 75, of Hilo, died April 24, 2018, at his residence. He was born in Hilo and was a retired fire equipment operator with the Hawaii Fire Department and a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hilo.
Friends may call 6-9 p.m. on May 3 at Dodo Mortuary chapel for a 7 p.m. wake service. Friends may also call 8:30-10 a.m., May 4 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church for a 10 a.m. Mass. Burial to follow at the Homelani Memorial Park. Casual attire is requested.
He is survived by son, Jason (Stacey) Aguiar of Hilo; sisters, Leonora (Melvin) Higa of Honolulu and Patricia (Alfonso) Ramirez of California; three grandchildren; one great-granddaughter.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Brandon Subia
Brandon Jake A. Subia, 2, of Keaau, died March 26, 2018, at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children Hospital in Honolulu. He was born April 1, 2015, in Honolulu.
Friends may call on May 4 at Pahoa Sacred Heart Catholic Church; visitation from 5 to 7 p.m.; wake service at 7 p.m. An all-night vigil to follow at the family residence in Keaau. Friends may call again on May 5 at church; visitation from 8 to 10 a.m.; celebration of Mass at 10 a.m. Family requests casual attire. Burial to follow at the church cemetery.
He is survived by father and mother, Jackson Subia and Adelinda Agus Tacadino of Keaau; brother, Keana Jade Jackson, Jr. of Keaau; sister, Kaezlin Subia of Keaau; step-sister, Daecee Subia of Oregon; step-brother, Uriah Subia of Oregon; paternal grandparents, Jamie and Leonila Subia of Pahoa; maternal grandparents, Romeo and Perlita Agus of Keaau; numerous cousins, uncles and aunts.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Elen Hatayama
Elen Inez King Hatayama, 37, of Keaau, died April 5, 2018, at Hawaii Care Choices’ Pohai Malama Care Center. Born in Hilo, she was a former library technician for Mountain View Library.
Celebration of life at 1 p.m. May 5 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Keaau Ward, corner of Orchidland Drive and Keaau-Pahoa Road.
She is survived by husband, Daniel Hatayama of Keaau; mother, Dora King of Pahoa; brothers, Christopher King of Texas, David King, Jr. of Mountain View; sisters, Harmony (Edgar Niro) King of Pahoa and Kiana King of Hilo; six nieces; two nephews; aunts, uncles and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Robert Dempsey
Robert “Bob” Lewis Dempsey, of Kailua-Kona and formerly of Albany, Oregon, died April 19, 2018. Born Oct. 5, 1946, in Artesia, California, he was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, retired from Allegheny Technologies and a member of St. Michael’s Church.
Services are scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. May 4 at St. Michael’s Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Church.
He is survived by wife, Kim Dempsey; brother, Keith Dempsey, of Cypress, California; granddaughter, Taylor Dempsey; and grandson Robert Lawrence Dempsey Jr., all of Kailua Kona.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Jeffrey Kunimitsu
Jeffrey Dean Masaichi Kunimitsu, 59, of Hilo, died March 23, 2018, at his residence. Born in Hilo, he was a retired mechanic, owner of the former Jeff’s Auto Body and an avid fisherman.
Friends may call 10 to 11 a.m. May 5 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel; celebration of his life will begin at 11. Casual attire is requested.
He is survived by sons, Shayne (April) Kunimitsu of Lanai, Jake (Linga) Kunimitsu of Hilo; father, Kenichi Kunimitsu of Hilo; sister, Becky (Robin) Kow of Hilo; two granddaughters; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Henry Keliikoa
Henry K. Keliikoa, 82, of Hilo, died April 18, 2018, at Hilo Medical Center. Born Oct. 19, 1935, in Waiohinu, he was a retired supervisor for Kiyosaki Tractor Works Inc. and a heavy equipment operator in Hilo, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints (Keaukaha Ward).
Friends may call on May 5, 2018 at the Hilo Stake Center (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints); visitation from 9 to 11 a.m.; funeral service at noon. Casual attire and flowers are welcomed. Burial to follow at Homelani Memorial Park (Ilima Section).
He is survived by wife, Florence Keliikoa of Hilo; sons, Jonathan (Tess) Keliikoa of Honolulu, Harvey Keliikoa and Hiram Keliikoa of Hilo; daughters, Raynette (Richard) Oie of Honolulu, Geraldine Ooka and Belinda (Dias) Soram of Hilo; sisters, Camilia Kaleohano of Kona, Bernadette Kailiawa and Kathy Hashimoto of Pahala; 23 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Geraldine Ooka
Geraldine “Leina” Leinaala Ooka, 61, of Hilo, died April 20, 2018, at Hilo Medical Center. Born on May 5, 1956, in Hilo, she was a retired bus driver for Akita Enterprises and former bus driver for Roberts Hawaii and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. May 5 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel, Hilo, for a 7 p.m. funeral service. A graveside dedicatory prayer will be held at 9 a.m. May 7 at Homelani Memorial Park, Ilima Section. Casual attire.
She is survived by son, Samuel Ooka of Honolulu, Oahu; daughter, Aldine (Daniel) Arce of Hilo; mother, Florence Keliikoa of Hilo; brothers, Jonathan (Tess) Keliikoa of Honolulu, Oahu, Harvey Keliikoa of Hilo and Hiram Keliikoa of Hilo; sisters, Belinda (Dias) Soram of Hilo, Raynette (Richard) Oei of Laie, Oahu and Jessica (Graylen) Kaleohano of Hilo; three grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc. – Hilo Branch.
Kenneth Akine
Kenneth Kenichi Akine, 82, of Hilo, died March 15, 2018, at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Hilo, he was a retired auto mechanic for I.K. Motors, Kamaaina Nissan and Kamaaina Volkswagen, a U.S. Army veteran and member of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin.
Private services were held. Family requests no monetary gifts or flowers.
He is survived by wife, Betty Akine of Hilo; son, Blaine (Annette) Akine of Arizona; daughter, Cheryl (Stacey) Kubota of Honolulu; brother, Alan Akine of Hilo; sister, Alice (Rodney) Takahashi of Kapaa, Kauai; four grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Anna Neill
Anna Katherine Neill, 91, of Keaau died April 16, 2018, at Hawaii Care Choices (formerly Hospice of Hilo Pohai Malama). Born in Oklahoma, she was a retired bookkeeper for the former Neill Sign Company and a member of the Pahoa Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. May 5 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located on 25th Avenue and Paradise Drive, Hawaiian Paradise Park in Keaau.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Neill.
She is survived by sons, Steven (Karen) Neill of Kapoho, John Calvin “Cal” (Jeanene) Neill of Idaho; daughter, Jeanne Collier of Keaau; eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.