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.
Betsy Motoyama
Betsy Matsuko Motoyama, 104, of Keaau, died Jan. 10, 2019, at Hilo Medical Center. Born Nov. 19, 1914, in Holualoa, she was a retired domestic helper.
Graveside service will be held 2 p.m. April 28 at Holualoa Japanese Cemetery.
Betsy is survived by niece, Geraldine Tenn; nephews, Wayne Kawamoto, Dennis Motoyama and James (Lorraine) Motoyama; one grandnephew.
Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Ernest Higa
Ernest Minoru Higa, 71, of Hilo died Jan. 21, 2019, at Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Born in Honolulu, he was a maintenance worker and member of The House Hilo.
A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. Feb. 16 at The House Hilo, 2282 Kanoelehua Ave., in Hilo. Casual attire.
He is survived by sons, John (Monica) Higa of Keaau, Melvet Higa and Shelson Higa both of Hilo; daughters, Redlyn (Robert) Momotaro of Majuro, Marshall Islands, Darling (Takia) Takia of Keaau, Alise (Shandy) Higa, Naomi (Kory) Higa and Bernice Higa of Hilo; sisters, Hideko Honda and Patsy Soto both of California, and Shirley Ige of Haleiwa, Oahu; brothers, Howard Higa and Roddy Higa both of Oahu; 13 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Felisa Kaniho
Felisa Halena Sesson Kaniho, 85, of South Point, died Jan. 10, 2019, at Ka’u Hospital. Born in Ka’u, she was a retired kitchen helper at Ka’u Hospital, food pantry worker at various locations and member of the Ka’u Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Visitation will be 8-10 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Ka’u Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Naalehu. Funeral service at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at the Naalehu Community Cemetery. Casual attire.
She is survived by sons, Leebert (Leeann) Naboa of Ocean View, Lambert (Eileen) Naboa of Discovery Harbor, Thomas Dean Kaniho of South Point and Keone (Edena) Takahashi of Waipahu, Oahu; daughters, Leinell Naboa and Leivanell (Dennis) Salmo of Pahala, Leinette (Greg) Noritake of Bainbridge, Wash., Theone Ryder of Texas, Thomasena Beck of Kailua-Kona and Myra (Alfred) Keano of Discovery Harbor; sister, Rose Takaki of Aiea; brothers, Garciano Sesson and Milton Dacalio of Pahala; one daughter-in-law; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
William Geiger
William Geiger, 86, of North Kohala, died Jan. 29, 2019, at North Hawaii Community Hospital. Born April 17, 1932, in Germany, he was the owner of the former Vetters and a U.S. Army Korean War veteran.
Private service to be held.
He is survived by wife, Sally Geiger; sons, Walter Geiger and Werner Geiger all of North Kohala; seven grandchildren; two great-grandsons.
Arrangements by Cremation Services of West Hawaii.
