Obituaries for Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Margaret ‘Margie’ Ann Leina‘ala Ruiz
Margaret ‘Margie’ Ann Leina‘ala Ruiz
Margaret “Margie” Ann Leina‘ala Ruiz, of Rocklin, California, passed away on Jan. 11, 2023, at Sutter Roseville Medical Center at the age of 58. She was born on Oct. 9, 1964, in Maui. She was a baker with Safeway.
She was preceded in death by grandparents Damascio Sr. and Margaret “Maggie” Ruiz.
She is survived by mother Emily “Millie” Ruiz, hanai sister Leyona (Robert) Croisant of Lincoln, California, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Koloa on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. with Mass to follow at 10 a.m. The family request casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Emily ‘Millie’ Peggy Ruiz
Emily “Millie” Peggy Ruiz, of Koloa, passed away on June 12, 2023, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 85. She was born on March 10, 1938, in Waimea.
She was preceded in death by parents Damascio Sr. and Margaret “Maggie” Ruiz, daughter Margaret “Margie” Ruiz, brother Damascio Ruiz Jr., sisters Rose Medeiros, Shirley Cambra, in-laws Herbert Cambra, Edith Ruiz and John Vegas.
She is survived by caregivers Laurie Ann Ruiz, Raynette Chun, hanai daughter Leyona (Robert) Croisant of Lincoln, California, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, brother Donald Ruiz of Phoenix, Arizona, sister Mary Jane Vegas of Kailua, O‘ahu, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Koloa on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. with Mass to follow at 10 a.m. The family request casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Nobuko ‘Clara’ Kimata
Nobuko “Clara” Kimata, of ‘Ele‘ele, passed away on Aug. 1, 2023, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 97. She was born on May 18, 1926, in Wahiawa, Kaua‘i. She was retired seamstress and sewing teacher.
She was preceded in death by father Kiyoshi Kimata, mother Kozue Kimata, sister Margaret Ueunten and brother-in-law Senji Ueunten.
She is survived by brothers Dr. George (Mamie) Kimata of O‘ahu, Herbert (Jane) Kimata of Hanapepe, sister Esther Kimata of O‘ahu, nephews Glenn (Danielle) Ueunten, Dr. Kevin (Piikake) Kimata, Dr. Jason (Monica) Kimata, Scott Kimata, nieces Iris (Roy) Umeno, Denise (Mike) Nishiki, Stacie (Jeffrey) Rita, Janis Kimata, numerous cousins, great-grandnephews and great-grandnieces.
A celebration of life is Sept. 16, at Kaua‘i Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. with service to follow. The family suggests casual attire and requests that flowers and koden (monetary gifts) be omitted.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dr. Elinor Eastman Weeks
1937 – 2023
Dr. Elinor Eastman Weeks, age 86, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in Norfolk, Virginia, after a series of illnesses.
Ellie was born in 1937 in Manhattan to Harold Eastman Weeks, an electrical engineer trained at MIT, and Virginia McQueen Travel (Virginia Travell Weeks, M.D.), a graduate of Wellesley College and of Cornell University Medical College. She was the youngest of four children raised in Brooklyn Heights, NY and attended Brooklyn Friends School. Ellie graduated from Swarthmore College in 1959 and Case Western University Medical College in 1963.
Ellie, an accomplished child psychiatrist, practiced in Boston, Anchorage, Reno and Lihu‘e, Hawai‘i, before marrying Richard Dominick Knapp, M.D. and retiring to the Lakewood Community in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2008.
Ellie leaves many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews who greatly appreciate all that she did for them. She is predeceased by her husband, her parents, her sister Virginia Davidson Weeks Moreau of Lake Placid, New York, and her two brothers, Willard Travell Weeks of Pelham, Massachusetts, and Sheldon Griswold Weeks of Brattleboro, Vermont.
Her full the obituary may be viewed on the H.D. Oliver Funeral Home website: https://www.hdoliver.com/obituaries
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2023, at Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 560 W Olney Rd, Norfolk, Virginia, 23507. A private burial will be held by family at a future date in Albany, New York.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, Virginia, 23518 at https://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/support/give/, Christ and Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church at PO Box 11499, Norfolk, Virginia, 23517 at https://christandstlukes.org/give/, or the Elizabeth River Project, 5205 Colley Ave, Norfolk, Virginia, 23508 at https://elizabethriver.org/donor-circles/
Yvonne NaOmi Puanani Mae Elaban
Yvonne NaOmi Puanani Mae Elaban, better known as “Omi,” 68, passed away at home in Hanapepe on Aug. 17, 2023. She was born on O‘ahu on Aug. 24, 1954, and was the proprietor of Eat n Gitt food truck until retiring in 2020.
She was preceded in death by parents Clarence “Puka” and Mitsue Elaban and niece Danielle Elaban.
She is survived by partner Carla Dusenberry of Hanapepe, brothers Lee (Becky) Elaban, Guy Elaban both of Arizona, Cal (Jennifer) Elaban of Ohio, sister Kim (Rod) Neal of Arizona, extended Dusenberry ‘ohana: Sal and Dynamite Dusenberry-Lee and ‘ohana of Kalaheo, Garrick Dusenberry and ‘ohana of Hanapepe, Krim and Manu Dusenberry-Kenolio and ‘ohana, Shane ‘Aulani Dusenberry and ohana both of Maui, Penny Dusenberry of Hanapepe, hanai parents Al and Pat Ho and ‘ohana of Lawai, hanai sister Carrie Palama and ‘ohana of Kalaheo, best buddy Keith Pigao of Lawa‘i, and also leaving behind numerous nieces, nephews and ohana from near and afar.
A celebration of her life is Saturday, Sept. 16, at Garden Island Mortuary, with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. and remembrance from 11 to 11:45 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
The family and Carla would like to give special thanks to Dr. Buik and nurses of Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital and Kaua‘i Hospice.
Garden Island Mortuary assisting the family with arrangements.
Gerald Ellamar Sr.
Gerald Ellamar Sr., 78, of Kapa‘a, passed away on Aug. 25, 2023, at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. He was born in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i on Nov. 11, 1944, and was a cook at Higashi’s.
He was preceded in death by parents Federico and Angeline Ellamar, siblings Gabriel Ellamar, Donna Lopes, Andrew Ellamar, Faith Ellamar and Ted Ellamar.
Gerald is survived by wife Bonnie Alexa Ellamar, children Gerald (Stacy) Ellamar Jr., Rory (Casey) Ellamar, Alexine (Rory) Rayno, grandchildren James Ilae, Rylee Ellamar, Jace Ilae, Jared Ellamar, Hayden Ching, Jonah Rayno, Jase Ellamar, Jorey Ellamar, Dylan Rayno, Rielle Ellamar, siblings Richard Clarose, Gloria Robar, Fred Ellamar, Linda Murray, Lovina Steinlage, Anita Manakofua and Ron Ellamar.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements.
Florencia Tomboc Esplana aka Enciang
Florencia Tomboc Esplana aka Enciang, of Kekaha, passed away on Aug. 8, 2023, in Waimea at the age of 82. She was born on Nov. 13, 1940, in Brgy. Cabuntunan, Binalonan, Pangasinan, Philippines. She was a seed cutter and with the planting crew for Kekaha Sugar Plantation.
She was preceded in death by parents Catalina Abon Cezar, Leonardo Tomboc, sisters Esperanza Millet and Lyndia Herreria.
She is survived by husband Angel Esplana, daughters Elvira (Ferdi) Galo of Honolulu, Yolanda (Robert) Mangayayam of Hanapepe, grandchildren Beverly (Cyrus) Tumbaga, Argie Mangayayam, Loren Galo, great-grandchildren Darius Jace Tumbaga, Anissa Esme Tumbaga, Kyra Mangayayam, brothers Hilario (Gloria) Cezar of Lawa‘i, Ernesto (Delia) Cezar of Waimea, sisters Emeliana Camat of Earlimart, California, Francisca Loniza of Kekaha, Leonor Navarro of Kekaha, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A wake service will be held on Friday, Sept. 15, at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawai beginning at 4 p.m. Service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Holy Cross Parish in Kalaheo. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family the family with arrangements.
Alice N. Yamada
Alice N. Yamada, 104, of Kapa‘a, passed away peacefully on Sept. 7, 2023. She was born on April 11, 1919, in Oxnard, California, and retired as an account clerk at Kapa‘a High School.
She was preceded in passing by husband Hideichi Yamada, parents Takeo and Fusa Nakaishi, 14 siblings, and son-in-law Frederic Peel.
Alice is survived by daughters Virigina Yamada, Bonnie (Frederic dec.) Peel, grandchildren Dawn (Elie) Peel Sauma, Lara (Anthony) Peel Hazenfield, Jason (Beverly) Peel, great-grandchildren Trisdan Ahuna, Jordan Peel and Sofia Sauma.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Special thanks to Shirley Negrillo and the Kaua‘i Hospice team. In lieu of koden (monetary gifts), the family requests you make donations directly to Kaua‘i Hospice.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Rufina Butay
Rufina Butay, of Hanapepe, passed away on Aug. 16, 2023, at Hale Kupuna at the age of 96. She was born on July 27, 1927, in Pagudpud, Philippines. She was a retired seamstress.
She was preceded in death by husband Antonio Butay, son Wilfred Butay, daughters Pacita Butay and Solidad Olarti.
She is survived by son Kelly Butay of Tacoma, Washington, daughters Ofelia Butay Tutop of ‘Ele‘ele, Lani Butay Guillermo of Honolulu, hanai daughter Michal Nakashima of Hanapepe, 20 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren, sister Aning Manegdeg Ignacio of the Philippines, numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Sept. 23, at Garden Island Mortuary. Visitation is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and service from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Carol E. Seshiki
Carol E. Seshiki, of Kapa‘a, passed away on Aug. 27, 2023, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 85. She was born on Feb. 18, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois. She was a retired nurse.
She was preceded in death by husband Richard Seshiki, son Clayton “Butch” Shibao, grandson Dylan Kuwamura and parents Larry and Sue Brady.
She is survived by daughters Gina (Roddy) Kaulukukui, Laurie (Sherri) Shibao, Lisa (Pauly) Kuwamura, grandchildren Brandon (Brandy) Bridges-Basuel, Kristin (Dave) Kealoha, Noi Kaulukukui, Nainoa (Keaton) Kaulukukui, Mikayla Drews, great-grandchildren Braxton, Caiden and Ashlynn Ah Nee, Pua, Kawika, Kona, Akoni, Keani and Keoni Kealoha and Kaison Basuel and great-great-grandchild Tyler Marie Ah Nee.
A service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Anahola Club House. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Melchora Cadavona Balisacan
Our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and devoted friend to everyone whose life she touched, passed away. We announce her passing with heavy hearts.
On Aug. 26, 2023, Melchora, 88, of ‘Ele’ele, passed away at Garden Island Health Care. She was born on Jan. 5, 1935, in Ilocos Norte Baccara, Philippines. She worked in the fields of McBryde Sugar Plantation and Syngenta Co.
Her husband Romualdo Balisacan, daughters Nora Valera and Imelda Riopta, sisters Pia Visitacion and Flora Ramelb, are all preceded in death.
She is survived by her son Roland (Cherie-Amore) Balisacan of ‘Ele’ele, her daughter Irene (Richard) Jardin of Tennessee, her grandkids Ricky (Sabrina), Nicole (Pat), Whitney, Alana, Dylan (Tricia), Nanea (Stetson), Raquel (Kaika), Taylor (Matt), as well as 10 great-grandchildren Gavin, Teiva, PJ, Caleb, Nakoa, Leila, Kawehi, Nawai, Skylie, Keelan and extended family members.
Services will be held Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation is from 2 to 3 p.m. followed by service at 3 p.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Leona Keonaonakapuakea ‘Balino’ Manguchei
With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beautiful Leona Keonaonakapuakea ‘Balino’ Manguchei, 44, of Wailua, on Aug. 18, 2023. She was born in Honolulu on May 27, 1979, and lived her life here on Kaua‘i. She was known to everyone by her beautiful smile and loving spirit. Forever she will be in our hearts.
She was preceded in passing by husband Erick Manguchei and father Lee Balino.
Leona is survived by mother Jaime Rankin, siblings James Balino, Bronson Balino, Cheyenne Balino, daughters Jordyn-Leigh Balino, Jadyn-Minnie Nakaahiki, Edyn-Raquel Nakaahiki, Eryn-Mei Nakaahiki, Shannyn-Isabella Nakaahiki, Reyn-Lovea Nakaahiki, Sofia-Marie Manguchei, three grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Sept. 16, at Salt Pond Beach Park starting at 12 p.m.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
