Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. Content is subject to editing for parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Kenneth Willes
Kenneth Lawrence Willes, 83, of Keaau died on May 17, 2019, at the Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born in Myanmar (Burma), he was a retired hospital administrator.
Private services held.
He is survived by wife, Ruth Willes of Keaau; daughters, Helena Willes of Auckland, New Zealand, Elizabeth Willes of Santa Monica, Calif.; son, Kenneth (Allison) Willes, II of Bosque Farms, New Mexico; stepsons, Robert (Nancy) Chadwick of Hemet, Calif., Ronald (Lynda) Chadwick of Albany, Ore., Richard (Kaylene) Chadwick of Berrien Springs, Mich.; brothers, Edric Willes of Bishop, Calif., John Willes of Yucaipa, Calif.; sisters, Kathleen Mundt of Riverside, Calif., Elizabeth Lwin of Bakersfield, Calif., Jean Washington of Loma Linda, Calif.; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Martha Nitsche
Martha Jean Nitsche of Ocean View died May 15, 2019, at home. She was born March 14, 1933, in Kalispell, Mont. Martha worked as a certified travel consultant and ran Bougainvillea Bed and Breakfast. She was a member of the Red Hats Club, the Elks, and the VFW Ladies Auxillary.
A memorial service will be held at her home at 4 p.m. June 30.
She is survived by daughter, Jahna Brown of Ocean View; son Karl (Anafield) Nitsche of Maui; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Online condolences may be posted on www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com. Services provided by Ballard Family Mortuary-Kona.
Margaret Byrd
Margaret Ryan Byrd, 59, of Pahoa, died May 23, 2019, in Hilo. Born in 1960 in Tennessee, she was a 4-H Leader in Hawaii County, Montana, and Idaho. She was also a bus driver in Montana as well as for Pahoa schools.
A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. June 1 at the Star Of The Sea Painted Church in Kalapana. Online condolences: www.homelanimemorialpark.com
She is survived by her husband, John Byrd, Sr.; two sons, Joseph Wilcox of Oregon and John Byrd, Jr. of Hawaii; daughters, Ann Steeprow of Oregon, Monica Ann Graber of Washington, Dianna Janese Wilcox of Hawaii, Leilani Louise Albertson of Montana, Jillian Ford of California, and Mariah Rose Byrd of Wyoming; father, Joseph Raymond Ryan, Jr. of Tennessee; brothers, Michael Ryan of California and Joseph Ryan III of Tennessee; sister, Janese Johnson of California; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Sonia Graciidis
Sonia Kaleo’okalani Graciidis, 49, of Kailua-Kona, died May 11, 2019, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Minnesota. Born May 20, 1969, in Honolulu, she was a manager and cook for Pine Tree Cafe and a former cook for Kay’s Kitchen.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. June 23 at Kona Palisades Recreation Center. Service begins at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow. Family requests no flowers. Condolences to the family may be sent to A. Graciidis, 75-5789 Lanakoi Place, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740.
She is survived by wife, Annette Graciidis; parents, Morris and Clara Graciidis; sons, Delroy (Megan) Lauronal, all of Kailua-Kona, Jacob (Malia) Williams of Hilo, Jeremy (Leah) Williams; daughter, Tasha (Brandon Jeffries) Williams; sister, Georgieann (Eric) Lauronal of Kailua-Kona; brothers, Morris Graciidis, Jr. of California, Mason (Sabrina) Graciidis of Kailua-Kona; a grandson, five granddaughters, numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Cremation Services of West Hawaii.
Emma Atalig
Emma Takeko (Ramos) Atalig, 67, of Pahoa, died on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at Hilo Medical Center. Born on Aug. 28, 1951, in Hilo, she was a dietary aide for Hale Anuenue Restorative Care Center and a former cook for Verna’s Drive Inn Keaau.
Visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. June 5 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel in Hilo. A celebration of Life will be at 10 a.m. Casual attire.
She is survived by daughter, Johnalla (Irving) Perry of Fort Riley, Kansas; brother, Leslie Ramos of Aiea, Oahu; sister, Patricia (Tony) Muna of Keaau; sister-in-law; two grandsons; numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc. – Hilo Branch.