Nelson Gene Keller
Nelson Keller passed away on Jan. 8, 2023, in Waimea, at the age of 76. He was born on Jan. 7, 1947, on O‘ahu. He was the harbormaster of Port Allen Small Boat Harbor for many years, until he retired in 2006.
He was preceded in death by parents Edwin W. Keller and Juanita H. Sadino, wife Diane L.H.R Keller, daughter Resa L. Keller, brothers Albert Keller, Lawrence Keller, Herman Keller and Edwin Keller, and sisters Emma Keller and Juanita Gonsolves.
He is survived by daughters Corrina (Gordan “Sonny” Kamauoha) Keller, Erika Keller, Emma (Kaina Rosare) Keller, son Nelson “Joe” Keller, brother Elmer “Rabb” Keller, grandchildren Tawni Castro, Leanne Castro, Blayne Keller, Faith Pascua, Dawson Pascua, Olivia Fitzgerald, Braxtyne Keller-Rosare, Braylyne Keller-Rosare, Tatum Kamauoha and Hope Kamauoha.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Feb. 11, at Waimea Neighborhood Center, beginning at noon.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Josephine Machado Ornellas
Josephine Machado Ornellas, of Kapa‘a, passed away at her home on Jan. 25, 2023, at the age of 91. She was a homemaker, a seasonal employee at Hawaiian Fruit Packers Cannery, and a florist at Wailua Marina and Flowers and Joy.
She was preceded in death by husband Louis Ornellas, son Bernard Ornellas Sr., parents Frank and Nieves Machado, and sisters Beatrice Dias and Eleanor Garcia.
She is survived by daughter Linda (Henry) Kaialoa, son Jerry (Myra) Ornellas, Sharon Ornellas, daughter-in-law Diane Ornellas Okuno, grandchildren Bernard Ornellas Jr. of Kapa‘a, Brent James and Meghan Ornellas, both of Kapa‘a, Andrew (Jennifer) Boring of California, Sage Ornellas, Leah (Craig Freels) Ornellas and Tiffany (Humphrey Hernandez Jr.) Ornellas, all of Kapa‘a, Nadine Ornellas of Waimea, Parish (Michelle) Melendez of Texas and Randall (Shila) Melendez of Idaho, great-grandchildren Ashley, Brandon and Bella Melendez, Devon Andrews, Danya Augustin Melendez, Kai and Malia Takehana Boring, Charlotte, Theodore and Benjamin Freels and Leila and Nolan Hernadez, great-great-grandchildren Taj, Arin and Jax Kaneakuna, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
We will all miss her warm smile and gentle nature.
Private services will be held.
Borthwick Kauai Mortuary and St. Catherine Church are assisting the family with arrangements.
Douglas Junji Inouye
Douglas Junji Inouye, 77, of Lihu‘e, passed away on Nov. 15, 2022. He was born on Sept. 15, 1945 on O‘ahu. He worked as a self-employed electrical contractor and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
He was preceded in death by parents Masao and Shizue Inouye.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna Inouye, son John (Deborah) Inouye, daughter Kimberly (Kimo) Inouye, sisters Ann (Herman) Kon and Carol (Eddie) Hirata, granddaughter Chloe Inouye, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private services were held.
The family wishes to thank Kaua‘i Hospice and Garden Island Mortuary.
Christel Dorothea Hepa
Christel Dorothea Hepa, 87, of Wahiawa, O‘ahu passed away on Jan. 19, 2023. She was born on Dec. 17, 1935 and retired as a bookkeeper for Tang & Wong CPAs.
She was preceded in death by husband Daniel Hepa, parents Adolf Kuhtz and Dorothea Kohn, daughter Diana (Phil) Badua and granddaughter Jasmine Badua.
She is survived by daughter Dorothy (Lloyd) Hepa, grandchildren Steven (Beckie) Javinar, James Javinar, Reanna Javinar, Sage Javinar, Jonah Javinar, Nadia (Sean) Kaley and Kayla (Braden) Rapozo, seven great-grandchildren and two sisters.
Services will be announced in the future.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Kay Kiyoko Kato
Kay Kiyoko Kato passed away on Jan. 27, 2023 in Hanapepe at the age of 90.
She was born on March 13, 1932 in Japan. She was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by husband Robert S. Kato and son Lance S. Kato.
She is survived by sons Blaine (Lorraine) Kato of O‘ahu and Glenn (Kehau) Kato of Kaua‘i, daughters June (Jeffrey) Ikeda of Hilo, Hawai‘i Island, and Laverne (Umesh) Gheewala of California, 16 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.
A service is Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Garden Island Mortuary, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m.
The family suggests casual attire and requests that flowers be omitted.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
