Ernest Leslie Ventura
Ernest Leslie Ventura of Kalaheo, born on April 8, 1934, passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2020 at Garden Isle Health Care & Rehabilitation. The family would like to thank the staff for the love and care they provided.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corp for 14 years and served in the Korean War. After an honorable discharge he made his way home to Kaua‘i, where he dedicated his time to his passion for woodworking, music and the love of nature. On any given day, you could find him in “Grandpa’s Workshop,” hunting, gardening, fishing or playing the organ.
His love for his entire family was evident throughout his life. He will forever live in their hearts and be remembered through his legacy. He will forever be cherished and remembered by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents Ernest and Mary Ventura, brother Franklin Ventura, sisters Barbara Pereira and Betty Correa and grandson Ernest (Ernie) Les Ventura
He is survived by his beloved Carol Ventura, son Stephen (Diana) Ventura of Kalaheo, daughters Kathi (Joseph) Yap of Arizona, Laurie (Bill) Wallace of Kalaheo and Christie (Nimilote) Moli of Utah, grandchildren Brandon (Natasha) Ancheta, Azaria (Anthony) Ortiz, Victoria Ventura, Kawika (Marites) Ventura Smith, Kaneala (Callie) Ventura Smith, Kayleena Yap, Tashi (Levi) Canales, Seth Wallace, Kalisitiane Moli, Kahelelani Moli and Siosiana Moli, 13 great-grandchildren, brother August (Bernie) Ventura of Kalaheo, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date, when all family members will be able to travel to Hawai‘i.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lee Ann Tuttle
Lee Ann Tuttle, 56, of Kaua‘i, passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on Sept. 26, 2020.
She was born in California and was a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree, and the University of San Francisco, where she received her master’s degree in business administration.
She is survived by sister Lynn Tuttle and brother Kenneth Tuttle.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m. at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Richard Masao Watanabe
Richard Masao Watanabe, 82, passed away on Aug. 22, 2020 in Honolulu. He was born and raised in Lihu‘e, and graduated from Kaua‘i High School in 1956.
He then joined the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged after four years.
In 1962, he started working for the U.S. Postal Service, where he remained for 30 years before retiring in 1992.
In his high school years, he was a star athlete, and his love of sports was evident throughout is life.
He enjoyed attending University of Hawai‘i football, volleyball and basketball games through the years. And as everyone knows, he was and forever will be a faithful San Francisco 49ers fan.
He also loved traveling to Las Vegas, hoping to hit the big one. Many long-lasting, lifelong relationships were formed with his Kaua‘i classmates, co-workers, and many that he met along the way.
He will be missed dearly by both family and friends,
He was preceded in death by parents George Teru and Mildred Chiyono Watanabe, and sister Janet Watanabe. First wife Joyce (Ahana) passed away in 1989.
He is survived by wife and caregiver, Marie, sons Leighton (Valerie) Yin and Kevin and Ross Watanabe; daughters Wanda (Wesley) Toyama and Lianne Watanabe, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and brother Wesley Watanabe of Lihu‘e.
Due to current restrictions of social gatherings, a celebration of life will be held next year.
Brigida Asuncion Racelo
Brigida Asuncion Racelo, of Koloa, passed away on Oct. 3, 2020, at Hale Kupuna Heritage Home at the age of 92.
Born on Oct. 18, 1927, in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, she was a retired nurse at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
She was preceded in death by parents Vivencio and Julita Asuncion, husband Conrado Racelo, and brother Pablo (Corazon) Asuncion.
She is survived by daughters Sandra (Wayne) Anbe and Wanda (Jon) Miyajima, sons Conrad (Wailani) Racelo and Clyde (Jennifer) Racelo, brother Benjamin (Inocencia) Asuncion, sisters Amelia Barber and Amerita (Phillip) Speasmaker, grandchildren Terry Miyajima, Alisa Racelo, Tania Racelo, Shawnelle (Irwin) Briones, Clyve Racelo and Callie Racelo, great-grandchildren Lily Briones, Jack Racelo and Logan Briones, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Friends may visit with the family on Friday, Oct. 30, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary chapel in Koloa, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and service at 10 a.m.
There will be limited seating to allow for social distancing, and facial covers are required. The family suggests aloha attire.
Burial will follow at St. Raphael Cemetery in Koloa.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
