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. Any questions regarding obituaries should be directed to the mortuary or via email to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
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Jodie-Keenan Batin
Jodie-Keenan Leinaala Batin, 62, of Honomu, died July 16, 2022, at Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born Nov. 4, 1959, in Kulanakii, Kaikea, she was a retired pre-audit clerk for Hilo Medical Center, softball coach for Laupahoehoe High School, Hilo High School and Hilo Comets, former president of Hawaii Amateur Softball Association and former kahu at Pohakupuka Congregational Church.
Friends may call at 5 p.m. Aug. 16 at Dodo Mortuary chapel in Hilo for a 6 p.m. service. Burial at 11 a.m. Aug. 17 at Alae Cemetery. Celebration of Life from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at Kulaimano Community Center in Pepeekeo.
She is survived by husband, Sidney Batin of Honomu; hanai daughter, Jonette Ugalde of Pepeekeo; hanai son, Zavier Ugalde of Ahualoa; brothers, Perry-Blain Ugalde of Washington, Ernest (Annalynn) Ugalde of Pepeekeo, Valentino Ugalde of Kona, Ryan (Florence) Sabate of Kaumana, and Royden Sabate of Pepeekeo; sisters, Rhonda Sabate-Ugalde of Hilo, Richelle (Neal) Valentine of Puna, and Megan-Bernelle Silva of Oahu; sister-in-law, Jamie Ninio Ugalde of Ahualoa; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
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Jeanette Laris
Jeanette Rita Laris, 91, of Hilo died June 29, 2022, at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in North Lake, Wisc., she was a retired Realtor and former business owner of Stretch and Sew on Oahu, the East Hawaii Ambassador for Dress A Girl Around The World, and a member of The Hawaii Association for Family, Community Education Hoike Club, and St. Joseph Parish in Hilo.
Visitation 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 12 at the Dodo Mortuary chapel; funeral services at 11 a.m. Urn committal services will follow at the Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 Pavilion. Casual attire. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dress a Girl West Hawaii. Put Jeanette Laris on the memo line and mail to 83-5437 Painted Church Road, Captain Cook, HI 96704.
She is survived by daughters, Jody (Edwin) Montell of Hilo, Jacque (Daniel) Delaunay of Paia and René DeCambra of Kona; brother, Lynn (Karen) Geyer of Phoenix; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
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Geronia Francisco
Geronia Samson Francisco, 89, of Pahoa, died July 24, 2022, at her residence. Born in Larena, Negros Oriental, the Philippines, she was a retired nurse’s aide with Beverly Manor and the Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu and was also a member and cantor at Pahoa Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Visitation 8:30-10 a.m. Aug. 11 at Pahoa Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Cremation will follow. Casual attire; no flowers.
She is survived by brother, Jesus Samson of California; sister, Teodie David of Oahu; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
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Shorrene Whelan
Shorrene “Shori” Lee Whelan, 73, of Hilo, died Aug. 1, 2022, at her residence. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, she was a homemaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, yoga instructor, citizen scientist, seamstress, expert gardener and member of the Ainaola Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Services held.
She is survived by husband, Kelly Whelan of Hilo; sons, Sean (Courtney) Whelan of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Kyle (Jillian) Whelan of Atascadero, Calif.; brother, Greg Smith of Redding, Calif.; sisters, Winnie Smith and Cynthia Smith-McHale, both of Redding, Calif.; five grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
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Kenneth Kimata
Kenneth Kenji Kimata, 86, of Hilo, died July 12, 2022, at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Olaa, he was a retired insurance agent for First Insurance and Bishop Insurance member of the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Hoyukai, the former Duffers Golf Club, Anela Kumiai and a U.S. Army veteran.
Private services held. Family requests no flowers or koden (monetary offerings).
He is survived by wife, Barbara Kimata of Hilo; daughter, Sherylyn (Royce) Tanouye of Honolulu; sons, Gregg (Marcia) Kimata of Hilo, and Glenn (Tammy) Kimata of Aurora, Colorado; siblings, Edith (Richard) Lee and Roy (Lorraine) Kimata, all of Honolulu, and Judy (Thomas) Haraguchi of Hilo; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
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Beatrice Hudman
Beatrice “Bea” “Mama” Kuuleialoha (Carter) Hudman, 70, of Keaukaha, died on July 22, 2022 at Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born Sept. 25, 1951 in Keaukaha, she formerly worked for Aloha Lei Greeters, Awili Store, and McDonald’s.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 12 at Dodo Mortuary chapel; service at 5 p.m.; cremation to follow. Casual attire. Flowers welcomed.
She is survived by, husband, Ron Hudman; sons, Ron Hudman Jr. and Ryan Hudman; brother, Clarence Carter; three grandsons; an aunt; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
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Allen Carman
Allen Hugh Carman, 90, of Kailua-Kona, died July 20, 2022 at his residence. BornNov. 18, 1931, in Peru, Nebraska, he was a retired literary professor, writer, photographer and boat builder.
No services planned.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
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Gerald Kuessner
Gerald “Gerry” Kuessner, 88, of Kailua-Kona, died June 11, 2022 at his residence. Born April 29, 1934, in Mackenrodt, Germany, he was a designer at Fisher Body in Detroit, Michigan, taught the CAD system at Wayne State University in Detroit, was a tenor with the General Motors Chorus, the Oakland University Community Chorus and was an extra on stage with the Metropolitan Opera Company’s summer tour in Detroit, sang with the Kona Community Chorus (now the Kona Choral Society), Gloryland Singers, Kona Festival Chorale and the choir at Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity.
A scattering of his ashes will be held at a later date.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Kuessner of Kailua-Kona; children, Suzanne Moore Benloucif of Ann Arbor, Mich, Lynn Kuessner (Gordie Chetosky) of Chicago and Mike Kuessner of Harrison Twp., Michigan; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.