Bernice Juanita Naleiekolukananiokaua‘i Kuala Ragragola
Bernice Juanita Naleiekolukananiokaua‘i Kualu Ragragola of Kekaha was born on Jan. 20, 1931, and passed away peacefully on March 25, 2021, at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, at the age of 90. She was a retired janitor at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands. She was the last of her siblings.
She was preceded in death by parents Helen and William Haupu Kualu, husband Teofilo Ragragola, daughter Diane Keller, son Albert Ragragola, grandchildren John-Antony Ragragola, Rodrick Hubert Jr. and Resa Keller, brothers William Yadao, Stanley Yadao and Stanwick Yadao, sisters Becky Doronio, Agnes Mahinai, Grace “Nene” Hislop, Evelyn “Kanae” Olores and Helen “Lahapa” Dotimas.
She is survived by daughter Carmen (Alvin) Arashiro of Kekaha, sons Antonio “Blue” (Mila) Ragragola of Kekaha, Timoteo “Timmy” (Norma) Ragragola of Kekaha and Arnold (Kathy) Ragragola of Hanapepe, son-in-law Nelson Keller of Waimea, 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Friday, April 30, at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i, with viewing from 8 a.m. and service to follow at 10 a.m.
Due to COVID-19, social distancing and masks are required.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Richard Hiroshi Kuboyama
Richard Hiroshi Kuboyama, of ‘Ele‘ele, passed away on March 9, 2021, at the age of 92.
Born in Wahiawa, he served in the U.S. Army and was a retired electrical contractor. He played many musical instruments, but especially loved playing the steel guitar with his band, the Hanapepe Serenaders.
Richard was one of the founders of Aikido in Hawai‘i. One year after Tohei Sensei, chief instructor of Aikido, came to Hawai‘i in 1953, Kuboyama Sensei began training in Aikido. He continued his Aikido training in Hanapepe and became the Head Instructor of Hanapepe Dojo. In 1997 he became the Chief Instructor of Kaua‘i. He continued training and traveling to Japan and helped establish the Hawaii Ki Federation. In 2013 he was awarded the rank of 7th Dan.
Richard was preceded in death by wife Mabel Kuboyama and parents Chiyoki and Yataro Kuboyama.
He is survived by son Floyd (Jan) Kuboyama of Washington, daughters Molly (Sherman) Shiraishi of Lihu‘e and Patti (Marvin) Rabago of ‘Ele‘ele, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Private services will be held.
The family respectfully requests no koden.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mary Lou K. Kanahele
Mary Lou K. Kanahele passed away on March 28, 2021, at the age of 59, in Waimea.
She was born on Jan. 11, 1962, in Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau. She was a wife and mom.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Kanahele.
She is survived by sons Wilson (Kalei) Kanahele of Anahola, Kauilikeole Kelley of Beauty, Kahelelani, Love Ho‘omaika‘i Kelley of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, Keith Earl Adams of Kaumaukani and Dallas (Chelsea) Kelley of Lihu‘e, daughters Chelsea (Billy) Niau of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, Shannon (Pila) Latu of Kekaha, Cheyenne (Mira) Kanahele of Kekaha, Kapuaonaona Dolly Roback of Ewa Beach, O‘ahu and Courtney (Gabriel) Kanahele of Makaweli, 23 grandchildren, brothers Lindsay (Margaret) Kelley of Makaweli, Cliffton (Gloria) Kelley of Kekaha, Maynard Kelley of Kekaha and Ku‘ulei (Kanani) Beniamina of Makaweli, sisters Lulubelle Kelley of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, May Gallion of Makaweli, Eliza (Kekoa) Roback of Ewa, O‘ahu, Lindy Ka‘anoi Kanahele of Kekaha, and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private service will be held.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
