Josephine Mitsue Mukai Clevenger
Josephine Mitsue Mukai Clevenger of Indianapolis, 92, passed from this world on the evening of Dec. 28, 2021, at home, and took her last breath in the arms of her eldest granddaughter, with whom she had a very close relationship. Affectionately known as “Obaba” or “Jo” by many who loved her, she was born in Lihu‘e on March 26, 1929, to Masato Mukai and Hanayo (Tada) Mukai. Both preceded her in death.
It was in Hawai‘i that she met and wed Raymond Clevenger, who had been stationed on O‘ahu with the U.S. Navy, and subsequently relocated with him to Indianapolis. Although they would later go on to divorce, their union was blessed with four beautiful daughters. She Josephine never remarried. In her professional life, she tinted lenses and retired from Bell Optical Labs. Prior to and during her retirement, she also worked part-time as a laundress at the Little League Central Regional Headquarters.
She was very social, and loved chatting on the phone with her many friends and ‘ohana, and made every effort to stay in touch with as many people as she could. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing euchre and was an avid gardener and adored calla lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, bird of paradise and rose of Sharon, to name a few. Even when she was no longer physically able to garden herself, she remained very involved in the instruction and oversight of planting activities that took place at home.
She leaves behind sisters Betty Arakawa of California and Jean Cuthrell of North Carolina, daughters Valerie (Gary) Snider of Parsons, Kansas, Leslee Jacobs of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Robin Kills a Hundred of Indianapolis and Tracey (William) Hsu of Manhattan, Kansas, seven grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She had many other grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren through marital connections. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins who loved and adored her as well.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters JoAnn Kessinger and Jane Arita, and brothers Robert Mukai and infant James Mukai.
A private family cremation was held on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Indiana Funeral Care in Indianapolis. The scattering of her ashes will take place on Kaua‘i at a later date. The family requests no koden (monetary gifts) be sent.
Online condolences may be made at indianafuneralcare.com.
Mercedes ‘Metsing’ Valle
Mercedes “Metsing” Valle of Lihu‘e passed away on Dec. 21, 2021, at the age of 92. She was born in Pangasinan, Philippines, on June 19, 1929, and was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by parents Geronimo and Lorenza Gagelonia and husband Graciano Valle.
She is survived by son Arnold Vale.
Friends may visit with the family Thursday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary Koloa. Burial will follow at Kalapaki Bay Memorial Park, Lihu‘e. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks and social distancing are required.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Marie Dorman Capener
Marie Dorman Capener passed away on Dec. 14, 2021, at the age of 99, in Koloa. She was born in Santa Monica, California, on Oct. 5, 1922. She was a homemaker and Wilcox Memorial Hospital volunteer.
She was preceded in death by husband Kenneth Capener and son Charles Capener.
She is survived by sons Don (Barbara) Capener of Kapa‘a and Kenneth (Pamela) Capener Jr. of Cambridge, Idaho, six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Gregorio Artaho
Gregorio Artaho passed away peacefully at Wilcox Medical Center on Jan. 5, 2022. He was born in Ewa, Hawai‘i on Nov. 29, 1925, and was retired as a school custodian.
He was preceded in death by parents Isidro Artajo and Pasincia Derit, brothers Marcial Artajo and Anastacio Artajo, sisters Leilani Artajo, Felicidad Perreira and his wife Victoria Gilay Artaho.
He is survived by children Carolyn (Robert) Dunn, Gregory (Lynette) Artaho and Vonda (William) Artaho-Aki, grandchildren Ben and Matthew Dunn, Traci Dunlap, Allen Artaho, Leilani Artaho, Sean Borges, Heather Borges, Henry Borges Jr., Jessilyn Artaho-Aki and Makana Artaho-Aki, great-granchildren Taylor, Raquelle and Aiden Peiler, Liviana Dunlap, Alleissa and Zaydon Artaho, Makoa and Victoria Rosa and Kainalu Aki.
Services are Wednesday, Jan. 19, at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, with visitation from 10 a.m. and services to follow at noon. Face masks and social distancing are required.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Eric S. Yoro
Eric S. Yoro, 47, of Lihu’e, passed away on Dec. 21, 2021. He was born in Lihu’e on July 27, 1974.
He was preceded in death by grandmothers Adelaida Sotelo and Benilda Yoro, grandfather Leandro Yoro and uncle Frankie Yoro.
He is survived by parents Ernesto and Anita Yoro, sister Rowena Yoro, brother Robert Yoro, uncle and aunt Billy and Maria Sotelo, aunt Carmelita Yoro, cousins Maribel (Yoro) Thiel and Ryan Yoro, nieces Nyssa Noelani Cabaya Yoro and Isabelle Kailani Cabaya Yoro, nephews Bryson Kaimana Yoro, Seth Kekoa Carey and Jason Frankie Davis.
Friends may visit with the family on Feb. 3 at Immaculate Conception Church in Kapaia. Visitation is at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass 10 a.m. and burial to follow at Lihu‘e Cemetery.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Caroline Sue (Moniz) Miyake
Caroline Sue (Moniz) Miyake, 87, of Lihu‘e, passed away on Dec. 21, 2021. She was born on Kaua‘i on May 26, 1934, and was an alumna of Waimea High School “Classy 52.” She retired as a licensed practical nurse after 42 years of service with Wilcox Memorial Hospital and Kaua‘i Medical Group/Clinic and was a volunteer with Immaculate Conception Church Health Ministry for 22 years.
She was preceded in death by parents William and Margaret (Victorino) Moniz Jr. and brother Thomas Moniz.
She is survived by husband Sueo Miyake, daughters Jocelyn (Bryan) Kelekoma and Norene (Teddy) Albarado, grandchildren Tiffany (Micah) Sibayan, Tyra (Clyde) Caires, Kristen Matsuura-Albarado, Marissa (Matt) Albarado Brigoli and Tiana (Kevin Tubon) Albarado, eight great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, sister Lorraine Bailey, brother Timothy Moniz, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is at Immaculate Conception Church Wednesday, Jan. 19, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and services to follow. Inurnment will take place at Kaua‘i Veteran’s Cemetery in Hanapepe. Due to COVID-19, face masks and social distancing are required.
