Obituary Notices: July 16-22, 2017

Big Island Obituaries

Gretchen Lawaelani Margaret Kamai
September 29, 1946 – July 18, 2017

Gretchen Lawaelani Margaret Kamai, 70, of Hilo passed away at Hilo Medical Center on July 18, 2017. Gretchen was born in Honolulu on Sept. 29, 1946 to John Kaneakua and Bernice Brown. She is survived by her husband Roy James Kamai Sr., sons; Roy James Kamai Jr., Bode Jarom Kamai, daughters; Rolene Spaulding, Bernice Lola Tenney, Rhonda Kamai-Kekela, Kimberly Desamito, brother; John Kaneakua, sisters; Lucinda Kovasic, Ivory Stone, Penny “Babes” Makanani, as well as 19 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

There will be a service in Gretchen’s remembrance at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1373 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 with public viewing starting from 8 to 10 a.m., funeral service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and burial to follow at noon at Veterans Cemetery # 2. Arrangements entrusted to Ballard Family Mortuary- Hilo.

Roy William Volkoff Sr.
April 22, 1936 – July 18, 2017

Roy William Volkoff Sr., 81 of Kailua-Kona, was born in Los Angeles, CA, and passed away on July 18, 2017 in Kailua-Kona. He served in the US Navy.

He was a friend of Bill W. He was owner of Kona Coast Cabinets, co-owner of Big Island Windows, employee of Kona Community Hospital, first coach for Kealakehe High School Bowling Team, animal trainer, love for animals, active in many community services, Counselor at Lokahi Treatment Center.

He is survived by wife Donna; sons Steven (Marie) Volkoff of Inglewood, CA; William (Rayanne) Volkoff of Keauhou; Roy (Sheri) Volkoff, Jr. of Kailua-Kona; daughter Darlene (Dan) Bearth of Kailua-Kona; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at West Hawaiʻi Veteran’s Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2017.

Norman Masatsugi Oga
April 30, 1924 – July 10, 2017

Norman Masatsugi Oga, 92, of Kailua-Kona, was born in Hilo, and passed away on July 10, 2017, in Kailua-Kona.

He worked as an interpreter for Civil Defense in Japan. He is survived by brother Masanobu Oga of Captain Cook.

Private services will be held.

Andy Lay
March 19, 1931 – July 9, 2017

Andy Lay, 86, of Hilo passed away on July 9, 2017. Andy was born in Campbell County, TN on March 19, 1931. Andy served proudly in the United States Army as a combat engineer and was discharged honorably after 20 years of active federal service. He was a beloved husband and soldier and will be deeply missed.

Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary- Hilo.

Leo Michael Adonis

Leo Michael Adonis
August 16, 1978 – July 8, 2017

Leo Michael Adonis, 38, of Washington, CA and Hawai‘i passed away on July 8, 2017 in Volcano, Hawai‘i.

Leo was born Gregory Michael Ure in Portland, OR on Aug. 16, 1978 to John Michael Ure & Carla Jean Schach. Leo was a graduate of San Diego State University with his bachelor’s degree in English as well as having his teaching credentials. He is survived by his mother, Carla Jean Tooker, father, John Michael Ure, grandparents, Betty and John Regan, sister, Shannon Lee Coburn, Uncle’s and Aunt’s Steven and Debbie Ure, Dennis and Debi Ure, Chan’te Lisa Regan, Jerry and Dena Regan, Russell Schach and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. He was a very kind and loving man.

Arrangement done by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo.

Hilda Eva (Correa) De Costa
June 3, 1930 – July 6, 2017

Hilda Eva (Correa) De Costa, 87, formally of Hilo and Pahala, died July 6, 2017 at Life Care Center of Hilo.

Born in Honomū, she was a cafeteria helper for the DOE; member of the Foster Grandparent Program tutoring SPED students at Waiakea Elementary School and Hilo Union School. Hilda was also a member of St. Joseph Church.

Visitation at St. Joseph Church on Tuesday, September 5, from 8 to 10 a.m. Mass at 10 a.m. Casual attire. Family request no flowers. Private scattering of ashes.

Survived by sons Gordon De Costa of Mountain View and his wife Patricia, Leroy De Costa of Waimea; her daughters Debra “Debbie” Wong Yuen of Pahala and her husband Walter, Charna Ontiveros of Las Vegas and her husband Aaron. Sister Marjorie Tubbs of New York; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary- Hilo

Frances Theresa Kulesa Dubczak
October 3, 1927 – July 6, 2017

Frances Theresa Kulesa Dubczak, 89, of Kea‘au, died peacefully at home on July 6, 2017. Born in East Chicago, IN, she was a former receptionist at Pāhoa Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a charter member of the VFW Post 3830 Auxiliary in Pāhoa.

Friends may call Tuesday, July 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pāhoa Sacred Heart Catholic Church and again Wednesday, July 19, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. with Mass at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery #2.

Survived by daughter Sandy Dubczak of Kea‘au, son Craig (Beverly) Dubczak of Mountain View, God-daughter Kathleen Miedema of Hawthorn Woods, IL, hanai son Mike Kaneda of Kea‘au. Brothers Edmund (Joan) Kulesa of Crown Point, IN and Raymond (Sharon) Kulesa of Indianapolis, IN. Sisters-in-law Elizabeth Kulesa of Indianapolis, IN and Marian Kulesa of New Mexico. Five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements by Ballard Family Funeral Home.

Robert Rathbun
August 21, 1936 – June 27, 2017

Robert Rathbun, 80, of Pāhoa, passed away on June 27, 2017 in Pāhoa. Robert was born in Colorado on Aug. 21, 1936 to Harold Rathbun and Mabel Brown. Robert is survived by his sons Jon and Chris Rathbun, daughter Heather Pelletier, brother Bill Rathbun, sister Terry Rose, nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Arrangements by Ballard family mortuary- Hilo.

Maui Obituaries

Richard “Rick” Calvin Adams
February 16, 1953 – July 15, 2017

Richard “Rick” Calvin Adams, 64, of Kīhei, Maui, passed away on July 15, 2017, at his home under the care of Islands Hospice. He was born on Feb. 16, 1953, in Ephrata, WA.

Rick was a retired contractor. He is survived by his son, Kaleo (Stephanie) Adams; daughters, Kym Adams, Brooke Adams; brother, Rod (Cindy) Adams; and four grandchildren, Pekelo & Kaipo Borge, Brennon Aloy and Hudson Adams.
Private family services were held.

Timothy “Timmy” Eric Collins

Timothy “Timmy” Eric Collins
April 13, 1959 – July 11, 2017

Timothy “Timmy” Eric Collins, 58, of Kīhei, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on July 11, 2017 at his home in Kīhei.

Timmy was born in Santa Monica, CA on April 13, 1959. His parents were Charles P. (Chuck) and Shirley J. Collins. Timmy grew up in Manhattan Beach, CA and after high school moved to Kūau, Maui in 1978 with the help of his deceased older brother Mark Collins. Timmy was a co-owner of Aloha Blue Charters in Māʻalaea Harbor and was a partial owner of an Oregon farm.

Those who knew Timmy remember him as being extremely fun, lovable, energetic, generous, outgoing and sweet, there are really not enough words to describe him. He lived & loved life to the fullest! Timmy had so many good friends! He will be missed beyond words. Such a huge loss too soon.

Timmy is survived by his brother Michael Patrick (Alma) Collins of Kīhei, sister-in-law Haunani Fredholm Collins, niece Malia Ann Collins (Kamuela) Fuhrmann, nephew Matthew Keola (Matt) Collins, grand nephews Kanoa Kaiwi, Kamakauola (Ola) Collins Fuhrmann and grand niece ‘Ale’a Jade Fuhrmann of Hāna.

A public Celebration of Life (potluck) will be held on Sunday, September 17, at Haycraft Beach Park in Māʻalaea starting at 10 a.m. A prayer and scattering of ashes will be approximately at 11 a.m.

Bernadette Elizabeth Spencer

Bernadette Elizabeth Spencer
March 9, 1972 – July 9, 2017

Bernadette Elizabeth Spencer, 45, of Pukalani, passed away on July 9, 2017 at her home. She was born on March 8, 1972 in Los Angeles, CA.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Ballard Family Mortuary. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., service 12:30 p.m., and burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Makawao Cemetery.

Bernadette is survived by her husband, Kevin Spencer; daughters, Kalei and Kiana Spencer; mother, Diane Strand; brother, Charles Strand Jr.; and grandson, Nahaku Christopher Tabaco.