Aurelio ‘Al’ Ramelb
Aurelio “Al” Ramelb, 79, of Lihu‘e, passed away on Aug. 30, 2021. He was born in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on Nov. 12, 1941. He was a finance clerk staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, retired from the Sheraton Kaua‘i Hotel and was an avid golfer.
He was preceded in death by parents Rosendo Fernandez and Isabella Madrid Ramelb, and brother Federico Ramelb.
He is survived by son Joshua (Sylvia) Jones of Las Vegas, brother Patricio (Dorrine) Ramelb, sisters Felicidad (Anthony, deceased) Divina and Angelita (Irvin) Green, and numerous nieces, nephews and relatives.
A celebration of life is Thursday Sept. 23, at Immaculate Conception Church, with visitation at 9 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m. Following mass there will be an inurnment at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home. Face masks and social distancing are required.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Valerie Ann Barretto-Oshita
Valerie Ann Barretto-Oshita of Kapa‘a passed away peacefully on July 8, 2021, at the age of 70. She was born on July 3, 1951, in Lihu’e.
She was preceded in death by parents Gilbert F. and Dorothy I. Barretto.
She is survived by husband Marvin G. Oshita, sons Wendell (Laverne) Packard of Kapa‘a and Kalani (Lauren) Barretto of Kapa‘a, grandchildren Mele, Kamaile, Kalehua and Kali, brothers Gilbert F. (Lisa) Barretto Jr. of Wailua, Glenn M. (Linda) Barretto of Waipio Gentry, Waipahu, O‘ahu, Patrick N. (Jennifer) Barretto of Kapa‘a and Brian S. (Shari) Barretto of Kapa‘a, sisters Joyce B. (Rick) Hernandez of Waipio Gentry, Waipahu, O‘ahu and Debbie M. Barretto of Hanalei, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The celebration of life, previously scheduled Saturday, Oct. 2 at St. Catherine Church, has been postponed due to COVID-19 and will be announced at a later date.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Imelda Riopta
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Imelda Riopta, our loving and devoted mother and friend to all whose lives she touched.
On Sept. 3, 2021, she left us while sleeping peacefully at Maui Memorial Hospital. She was 56 years young, born on Oct. 12, 1964, in Bacarra, Philippines.
She was preceded in death by father Romualdo Balisacan and sister Nora Valera.
She is survived by mom Melchora Balisacan of Lihu‘e, son Ricky (Sabrina) Riopta of Las Vegas, daughter Raquel Riopta of Maui, grandchildren Gavin, Calib, and Leila, sister Irene (Richard) Jardin of Tennessee, brother Roland (Cherie) Balisacan of ‘Ele‘ele, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
A walk-thru visitation is at Garden Island Mortuary on Sunday, Sept. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. with a celebration of life to follow. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and face masks are required.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dr. Michael R. Furgeson
Dr. Micheal Ray Furgeson passed away at the age of 72 on Aug. 30, 2021, at his home in Kilauea. He was born Nov. 17, 1948, to Ray and Colleen Furgeson, in Los Angeles.
He was raised in Southern California and, upon graduating from the USC School of Dentistry in 1978, relocated to his beautiful Kaua‘i, and he never left. He opened dental practices in Kilauea and Lihu‘e, and when he wasn’t there you could find him scoping out the surf.
“The Doc” was an avid surfer, windsurfer, fisherman and cook. He was an adoring father and grandfather and we will forever miss him.
He is survived by his loving soulmate, Inga, of Kilauea. Children – Rachel, Ogden, Utah, Jared (Kelly), Smithfield, Utah, Suzie (Paul), Princeville, and Shey (Imi), Kilauea.
He was “Grandpa” to 13 grandchildren: William, Julia, Michael, Austin, Ke‘ala‘ua, Hokupa‘a, Manaleo, La‘akea, Kaydence, KJ, Kylee, Ka‘ikena, and Ileana Ida, and is survived by sisters Lynn of Middleton, Idaho, Pamela of West Haven, Utah and Ginger of Farmington, Utah, and brothers Kelly of Marshall Islands and Lew of Chandler, Arizona.
A celebration of life will be held at Kalihiwai Beach at a later date.
Kenneth Kauionalani Shintani
Kenneth Kauionalani Shintani passed away on Aug. 24, 2021, at the age of 69, in Lihu’e.
He was born on April 2, 1952 in Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, and was a rancher and handyman.
He was preceded in death by Kuramatsu Shintani Sr., Violet Shintani, Violet Kahokuloa, Kuramatsu Shintani Jr. and Henry Shintani.
He is survived by wife Judie Shintani, sons Jeremiah (Rachel) Shintani of Ka‘awanui, Kaui (Momi) Shintani Jr. of Ka‘awanui, Barney (Ua) Shintani of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, Michael (Hoku) Shintani of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau and John (Pui) Kahokuloa of Waimea, daughter Racine (Manu) Niau of ‘Ele‘ele, 16 grandchildren, brother James Shintani Sr. of Kekaha, sister Grace Shintani of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation with the family will be at King’s Chapel in ‘Ele’ele on Saturday, Sept. 18, between 9 and 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life. The family suggests casual attire. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and face masks are required.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
