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.
Nicholas Enanoria
Nicholas “Nicky” “Nick” Enanoria, 89, of Honokaa, died Aug. 10, 2017, at North Hawaii Community Hospital. Born April 14, 1928, he was a retired mechanic overseer for the former Hamakua Sugar Co. and U.S. Army Korean War veteran.
Visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. on Sept. 30 at Dodo Mortuary Chapel in Hilo; Celebration of Life at 10 a.m. Casual attire and no flowers.
He is survived by, children, Neil (Lolita) Gyotoku of Hilo, Nicolette (Chris) Takashige of Oahu and Terrence Enanoria of Honokaa; brother, Andrew (Violet) Enanoria of California; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Virginia James
Virginia “Ginger” Rutherford James, 68, of Paauilo, died Aug. 17, 2017, at her residence. Born July 28, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, she was a retired school teacher, corporate human resources specialist, high school guidance counselor, member of a local quilting club and supporter/contributor to Honokaa Methodist Church’s Lydia’s Closet thrift store.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 30 at Honokaa Methodist Church. Donations may be made to North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea. Call 776-1935 or email powelldenning@hotmail.com with questions.
She is survived by husband, Denning Powell of Paauilo; brother, Douglas James of New Hampshire; sisters, Elizabeth (James) Faber of Connecticut and Althea (James) Hojnacki of New York; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Esther Yamashita
Esther M.T. Yamashita, 60, of Keaau, died June 26, 2017, at her residence. Born June 30, 1956, in Hawaii, she was a receptionist for a property management company.
A celebration of life will be noon Sept. 30 at Rainbow Bay Pavilion (A) in Salt Lake, Oahu. Another celebration gathering for family and friends on the Big Island will be held at a later date. Casual attire and lei are welcome.
She is survived by husband, Brandon Yamashita of Keaau; daughter, Kawai Lopez of Oahu; stepson, Dyson Lum Ho of Keaau; mother, Teresa Ferguson of Texas; sister, Tina Ferguson of Texas; brothers, James Ferguson and Marlin Ferguson of Texas; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Delbert Ching Sr.
Delbert Yin Kiu Ching Sr., 90, of Hilo, died Aug. 24, 2017, at home. Born in Niulii, Kohala, he was a retired Hawaii County fire inspector, a retired officer of the U.S. Army and Hawaii Army National Guard, and a World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veteran.
Private services were held.
He is survived by wife, ReginaMarie Ching; sons, Guy (Marvi) Ching, Delbert Ching Jr.; daughter, Cheryl-Ann Ching; brother, Philip Ching; sisters, Yin Clendenen, Lan Yin Inouye, Nyuk Lan Ching and Carol Manning; two grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Mabel Shimabukuro
Mabel Shizue Shimabukuro, 88, of Hilo died Aug. 27, 2017, on Oahu. Born in Kapehu, she was a retired registered nurse at the former Hilo Hospital and a member of the Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin and its Buddhist Women’s Association, Moiliili Hongwanji Mission and its Buddhist Women’s Association and various golfing clubs.
Private services held. Family requests no flowers and no koden (monetary gifts).
She is survived by sons, Wayne (Maurine) Shimabukuro of Couer d’Alene, Idaho, Craig (Katherine) Shimabukuro of Hilo; brothers, George Suzuki of Lawton, Oklahoma, Stanley (Agnes) Suzuki of Torrance, California, Richard Suzuki of Wilmington, California; one grandson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Shiro Nakamoto
Shiro Nakamoto, 93, of Hilo, died Aug. 23, 2017, at the Hospice of Hilo Pohai Malama facility. Born in Pahoa, he was a retired driver and salesman for the former Excelsior Dairy, member of Hilo Higashi Hongwaji Mission and a U.S. Army World War II veteran.
Private family services were held. No koden.
He is survived by his son, Allen Nakamoto of Hilo; sister, Hayako Nishikawa of Hilo; one grandson; two great-granddaughters; numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Domingo Ramos
Domingo A. Ramos, 101, of Kapaau, died Sept. 10, 2017, at Kohala Community Hospital. Born Jan. 7, 1916, in Waimea, Kauai, he was a manager for the Department of Defense and a U.S. Army veteran.
Private services will be held.
He is survived by his wife, Priscila Ramos of Kapaau; daughters, Dawn Bennett, and Doreen (Keith) Wallis, all of Kapaau, and Dana (James) Winston of Honolulu; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Leatrice Ogata
Leatrice “Aunty Sa” Sachiko Ogata, 87, of Hilo, died Aug. 31, 2017, at home. Born in Pahoa, she was retired from S.H. Kress Store and T H Y &Associates, and a member of Tenrikyo Kakaako Church, Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, Komohana Kumiai, Kumamoto Doshi Kai, Big Island Ballroom Dance Association, and Orchid Isle Dance Club.
Private services were held. Family requests no monetary gifts or flowers.
She is survived by daughter, Amy (Glenn) Okino of Hilo; brothers, Terry (Miyoko) Sato of Honolulu, Roy (Akiko) Sato of Kurtistown; sisters, Yasuko Honda of Mililani, Oahu, Elaine Soga of Hilo, Eiko Eileen Kajiyama of Pahoa, Barbara Tsukamoto of Honolulu; grandson, Clive Okino of Hilo; numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Jerry Kunihiro
Jerry Kunihiro, 78, of Hilo, died Sept. 21, 2017, at his home. Born in Hilo, he was a retired electrician for the former Oskins Electric.
Private services.
He is survived by daughters, Lee Ann (Jason) Akimseu of Wailuku, Maui, Debbie Guthier of Shelton, Wash.; sons, Lance (Chassy) Kunihiro of Hilo, Troy (Shannon) Kunihiro of Paauilo, Noel Kunihiro of Hilo; sister, Sachiko (Del) Gun Salus of Las Vegas; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.