Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. The content is subject to editing to ensure parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Memorial advertisements may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Esther Maeda
Esther Ekekela Maeda, 84, of Hawi, died Aug. 21, 2017, at Kohala Hospital. Born Aug. 31, 1932, in Kohala, she was a retired waitress for Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and a retired wardrobe attendant for the former Hyatt Regency Waikoloa and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kohala Ward.
Friends may call at 9 a.m. on Sept. 2 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kohala, for an 11 a.m. service. Friends may also call at 9 a.m. on Sept. 5 at Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 in Hilo for a service and burial.
She is survived by daughters, Donna Lynn (Michael) Tabarejo, of Hawaiian Beaches, and Sherri Lee (Ambrocio “Bruce”) Parayno, of Kohala; brothers, James (Lorraine) Phillip, of Monterey, California, and Charles Phillip, of Florida; sisters, Theresa Mahi, of Kona, Daisy (Robert) Naihe, of Hilo, Sylvia (Fred) Hatanaka, of California and Vivian Kim, of Kohala; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Laverne Omori
Laverne Reiko Omori, 66, of Kona, died July 31, 2017, in Honolulu. Born in Honaunau, she was a retired Hawaii County Research and Development director.
Friends may call at noon on Sept. 2 at Konawaena High School cafeteria for a celebration of life. The family requests attendees wear bright colorful attire and dancing shoes; flowers are welcome and will be made into a large bouquet.
She is survived by daughter, KyLeigh Omori; brothers, Darrell (Jayne) Omori and Stan; sister, Diane (Dan Hom); Ted Fong and Debra, Heather and Jennifer.
Ballard Family Moanalua Mortuary.
Mer Ritualo
Mer Cendana Ritualo, 58, of Pepeekeo, died Aug. 2, 2017, in Hilo. Born Sept. 15, 1958, in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, Philippines; he was a chef for the Fairmont Orchid Hotel and member of the Waiakea Iloko Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Friends may call at 9 a.m. on Sept. 2 at Dodo Mortuary chapel for an 11 a.m. service. Casual attire.
He is survived by wife, Cecilia Marzan Ritualo of Pepeekeo; son, Mark (Aileen) Ritualo, of Iowa; daughters, Apple (Jopher) Salom, of Wainaku, Kimberley Brown, of Manchester, England, and Michelle (Dustin Wamar) Ritualo, of Pepeekeo; sisters, Rosemarie Ritualo, Angelina Ritualo, Marizol (Geno) Cayaban and Cristy Ritualo, all from London, Mildred C. Ritualo, Myrna (Mario) Suratos and Hildy Ritualo–Hildygarda, all of Philippines; brothers, Cresencio Ritualo Jr., JoJo (Juvy) Ritualo and Renato (Teresita) Ritualo, all of Philippines; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Kehau Blyth
Kehau Norma Blyth, 85, of Keaau, died Aug. 6, 2017, at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in Wailuku, Maui, she was a homemaker.
Private family services were held.
She is survived by son, Bruce (Leslie) Blyth, of Keaau; daughters, Peggy Blyth (Gary) Chesnut, of Kona, and Kehaulani Blyth (Carl) Eckman, of Keaau; brother, Louis (Lani) Sylva, of Kailua, Oahu; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.