Obituaries

Kalanilehua “Hua” Gerard, 43

Lehua Gerard, 43, of Makawao, Maui, passed away on April 13, 2021, with family at her side, under the care of Islands Hospice of Maui. She was born on August 11, 1977, in Wailuku.

Due to covid19, private services will be held.

Lehua was a Technician at Terminix for 19 years and a porter at the airport for SAS. She was predeceased by her mother, Sheila Gerard and her brother Brandon Gerard. She is survived by her Father Kelvin Gerard her brother Chad (Hoku) Gerard nephew’s Lauloakuikamakani and Cheyn and niece CharLeeRae.

She is also survived by her beloved wife for 17 years Mahina Gerard; children, Sheldon (Keolani Akana) Akina, Tita (Nawai’eha Kala) Akina, Kukamaehu (Lexi Nakamura) Akina, Pilikapu`uwai Akina and Hilina’i Akina; and grandchildren: Payton, Faith, Johnny Boy, Zaliah, Kapua, Blaze and Kape’a.

Lehua loved softball and played her whole life and excelled in it. She created Team PONO women’s softball team, A close net of friends that became family. She also loved putting on drag shows “FANTASY OF ILLUSIONS” and the performers also becoming family as well. She loved traveling-VEGAS especially and hanging out with friends and family on the weekends. Always so loving, always there to help anyone with anything. Always smiling and laughing and a true joke-ster.. A PURE HEART OF GOLD, YOU ARE TRULY “GOLDEN”

The family would like to thank Islands Hospice for

their support and care through this difficult time.

Paul Damien DeCoite, 84, of Kula, Maui, passed at his home surrounded by family on April 6, 2021, under the care of Bayada and Islands Hospice. He

was born on April 28, 1936 in Kokomo.

Due to covid19, private services will be held followed by a private burial at the Maui Veteran's Cemetery.

Paul retired as caretaker at the Maui Veteran’s

Cemetery in Makawao. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy DeCoite; children, Paul (Tracie) DeCoite, Carolyn (Michael) Malabon, Linda DeCoite, Lyndell DeCoite; grandchildren, Mikiala Malabon, Paul DeCoite III, Kimo Malabon, Kaimana Malabon, Chrystal Cardoza, Raelyn DeCoite; great-grandchild, Kaya Malabon; sisters, Sister Maria Goretti, Dottie (Sonnydeceased) Franco, Agnes (Edward-deceased) Fernandez, Ann (Lionel-deceased) Cravalho, Donna DeCoite Chong; and brother, Chucky (Molly) DeCoite. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph & Lillian DeCoite; and siblings, Joseph, Bernard, Anthony, Marion, Kenneth, Phyllis, Peter, Richard, Thomas George and James.

George Kaanana, 87, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 5, 2021 at home in Makawao, Hawaii. Born in Kahului, Maui on February 22, 1934 to the late David Kaanana & Ida Kahue, he lived a full life.

Dad leaves behind his three children; George Kawika Kaanana (Mary), Ynez Evalani Gomola (Robert Sr.), and Eunice Kealoha Kaanana-Ramos (the late Christopher), seven Grandchildren; Tony Lehman, Robert Gomola, Ashley-Nicole Ray, Daniel Kaanana, Malia Kaanana, TJ Kaanana, and Cherie Kaanana, and five Great Grandchildren; Leilani Gomola, Havana Tanji, Ryker Tanji, Carmen “Pueo” Kaanana-Cummings, and Ethan Ray along with Ohana and friends.

Dad was a 1953 graduate of Lahainaluna where he was a boarder, and well-known all-star athlete. He was in the military with an honorable discharge from the Army in 1958. Jobs held was at Ige Construction, Maui Lu, and Wailea-Intercontinental Hotels where he retired. Dad’s first love after God and family was teaching martial arts, specifically; Kajukenbo-Emperado’s Method. Dad began training in the early 1950's and has been committed to the Arts ever since. He achieved the esteemed rank of Senior Grand Master. He has trained many students where he gave generously of his time and himself. Many of them continued to call or visit him until his final days. Above all things, Dad truly cherished his family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Norman’s Mortuary with a private burial to follow at Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we kindly ask for those in attendance, to wear masks, social distance & follow guidelines at all times. For service information, please contact Kealoha (808)280-7047, Ynez (757)725-3371, or George (808)542-6554.

Arrangements by Norman's Mortuary.

Shizue Fujiyama, 98 of Keaau, passed away on April 5th at a care home in Hilo. Born in Keaau, she was a homemaker, and a member of Puna Hongwanji Mission.

Services to be announced at a later date. No flowers, no koden.

She is survived by her sons, Curtis Fujiyama, and Darryl Fujiyama of Keaau; daughter, Angela Yanabu of San Jose, CA; brother, Roy (Lorraine) Nakamura of Honolulu; sister, Alice Oie of Keaau, one grandchild, two great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews.

Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo

Betty Lou Kala, 82 of Wailuku, Maui, passed on April 5, 2021, at her home surrounded by family, under the care of Hospice Maiu. She was born on September 28, 1938, in Honolulu.

Due to covid19, private family services will be held followed by a public drive thru visitation from 10am to 12pm on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at Ballard Family Mortuary. Betty Lou will be laid to rest at the Maui Veteran’s Cemetery in Makawao.

Betty Lou was a retired Teacher at Maui High School. She is survived by her son, Gregory Kamana Kala (Albideen “Abby” N.) and their children, Ronald Aki Kamana Kala (Victoria), Joseph K. Kala, Gregory Keahi Kala; her daughter, Mary Kaui Kala-Brook (Elzie G. Brook) and their children, Steve Austin Swann, Matthew Swann, Makayla Swann; sister, Leona Ching; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Aki Kamana Kala; sons, Earl Kalona Kala, David Kaulana Kala; her parents, Peter Leng Fook Ching, Christina Kamomi Rodrigues Ching; and brothers, Peter Ching, Harvey Ching and Clifford Ching.

Donna-Frances Kaleiluhilani Street, 67 of Hilo, passed away on April 4, 2021 at her home. Born in Hilo, she was a retired supervising police radio dispatcher for the County of Hawaii.

Services to be held at a later date.

She is survived by her sons, Keith Kiyojima, Frederick (Michele) Desha, and Tipton (Carrie) Street; daughter, Tanya-Jo (Puna) Moller; hanai brother, Keith Wilhelm; sisters, Henrietta Clay, Alexandra Waipa, and Simone (Samuel) Kalua; sister-in-law, Karen Desha; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and cousins.

Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo

Loreta Rocero Quinsaat, 60, of Kihei, Maui, passed away on April 4, 2021, in Kahului, under the care of Hospice Maui. Her family was at her side. She was born on December 10, 1960, in the Philippines.

Due to covid19, private services will be held at Ballard Family Mortuary.

Loreta was a hotel Housekeeper. She was predeceased by her father, Segundino Rocero. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dionisio Quinsaat; mother, Maxima Rocero; sons, Robert (Michelle) Quinsaat, Rodel (Sandra) Quinsaat, Dionisio (Liezel) Quinsaat Jr.; daughter, Cecile (Ceasar Jr.) Carinio; brother, Petronio (Mercedes) Rocero; 10 grandchildren, Rochelle, Rusell, Ceasar III, Sofia, Diozzel, Cassie, Dionavelle, Dionisio III, Carrie and Davin.

John Stanley Rippy was born on January 12, 1940, in Philadelphia PA to Theodore and Pearl Rippy. John was lovingly called Stanley or Stan by all his loved ones and friends. He leaves to grieve his passing, his wife Lorraine Nole Rippy of Philadelphia where they met in in 1969. John and Lorraine married on November 21, 1976 at St. Charles Roman Catholic Church at 20th and Catharine Street in Philadelphia PA. They later moved to Hawaii in 1977, where they lived until his death on March 31, 2021.

John had two daughters, Khristina Lona Noell and Leysa Morris; four sons, Jimmy Johnson, Keith Nichols, Kevin Duncan, and John Stanley Galloway who preceded him in death in 2012.

John had 11 siblings, Theodore R. Rippy Jr., Salonie E. Long, Barbara P. Payne, Sandra D. Clory, Rita D. Mallory, Jacqueline C. Ross, Robert S. Rippy, Arthur D. Rippy, Kenneth J. Rippy. One brother, Clarence L. Roulhac-Rippy and sister, Patricia Y. Miller who preceded him in death.

John was educated in the Philadelphia education system.

John Stanly Rippy served in the United States Marine Corps and later the Unites States Navy.

He formed his own construction company doing business all over Hawaii and was well knoe and made friends wherever he went. He and his wife Lorraine loved to travel.

Aloha for now, God Bless everyone!

Lucy Wainee Ynigues Meyer, 92, of Hilo, passed away on March 30th at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in Waipunalei, she was a retired Postmaster for the Laupahoehoe Post Office.

Private services to be held.

She is predeceased by her parents, Marcus A. and Annie Akiona Ynigues, brothers, William (Margaret) Ynigues of Paauilo, and John Ynigues of Mililani; sisters, Ruth (Santiago) Navalta of Hilo, Mary (Mariano) Alfiler of Paauilo, Valentina (Albert) Mahuna of Waimea, Ruby Hicks of Hilo, and Annie (Conrad) Fernandez of Honolulu.

Survived by her son, Lionel (Carol) Meyer of Hilo; daughter, Karen (Darrell Howard) Meyer of Pepeekeo; brother, Thomas Ynigues of Honolulu; sister, Beatrice (Edwin) Narte of Los Angeles, CA; 5 Grandchildren, 8 Great-Grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Joseph A.M. Tampon Sr, 77

Joseph A.M. Tampon Sr, 77, of Kahului, Maui, passed away on March 28, 2021, at Maui Memorial Medical Center. He was born on July 5, 1943, in Wailuku.

Joseph was a “Jack Of All Trades”. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry & Margaret Kahaikupuna. He is survived by his children, Java (Ilima) Kaahanui, Joseph Tampon Jr. (Monika), Gina Carroll (Soane); brothers, Henry Kahaikupuna, Alex Tampon, Clarance Kahaikupuna, Ephiram Kaaihue, Henry Tampon (deceased), Isaac Kaaihue (deceased), Jerry Kahikupuna (deceased), Sonny Kepa (deceased); sisters, Patricia (Mamo) Alipio, Minnie Soto, Naomi (Chicky) Calderon, Shirley (Haunani) Drake, Harriet (Ipo) Tampon (deceased), Caroline (Lani) Ongais (deceased) Francine Mayer (deceased), Cronicles Tampon (deceased); grandchildren: Jolene Kalawa, Joseph III Tampon, Kayla Santiago, Gina Tampon, Makana Tampon, Aulia Tampon, Napuaonalani Ikeda; Kamalei Santos Bras; and great-grandchildren: Pua‘olena Kalawa, Ka’iulani Kalawa, Ha’aheo Kalawa, Mahealani Kalawa, and Zalia Santos Bras.

A drive-thru viewing will be held from 6:30 pm – 9 pm on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Ballard Family Mortuary; cremation will follow. Due to COVID19, please practice social distancing.

Alexander Keonikapu Beck, Jr., 71, of Hilo, passed away on March 28th at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Honolulu, he was a retired Fireman for the County of Honolulu, board member of the Honolulu Fire Department Federal Credit Union, and member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha.

Services to be announced at a later date.

He is survived by his son, Kala’iakeonekapu Beck; daughters, Maile L. Beck-Limbaugh, and Kealaka’i Beck Dudoit; brothers, Michael “Kimo” Beck, and Thomas Beck; 1 grandchild, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo

Donald Louis Albrecht, 78 of Mt. View, passed away on March 27, 2021 at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in Illinois, he was a woodturner, past administrative technician for the federal government, member of Big Island Woodturners, HI Chapter American Rhododendron Society, and a retired United States Air Force veteran.

No services.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Albrecht of Mt. View; sons, Douglas (Justine) Albrecht of Bellville, TX., Darren (Teresa) Albrecht of McAlester, OK., Johnnie (Teresa) Williams and Gary (April) Williams both of Fairbanks, AK.; daughter, Peggy (Jefferson) Mitchell of McAlester, OK.; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and nieces.

Arrangements by: Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo

Maria Visitacion Mendoza,

Our beloved mother, had passed away peacefully surrounded by her love once and family on Thursday, March 25th, 2021 at the age of 95. She was born in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines on November 6th, 1925.

She is now together with her husband, Juan C. Mendoza along with her sisters and brother.

Maria was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and embraced every chance and moment with them.

Although she is no longer here, she will continue to live in the hearts of her children, Lynna (Joe) Rumbaoa, Arsenio (Odette) Mendoza; grandchildren, Gail Rumbaoa, Angie Rumbaoa, Gina (David) Ruiz, Katrina Mendoza, Michael (Ayana) Mendoza’ great-grandchildren, Amber Covarrubias and Marcus Mendoza.

Visitation will be held on April 28, 2021 at Norman’s Mortuary from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.. Burial to follow at Maui Memorial Park Cemetery.

Due to the on-going pandemic of COVID-19, we kindly ask for those in attendance to wear your masks and practice social distancing. Seating for services are limited to the family request RSVP only.

Norman’s Mortuary Online Condolences to: www.normansmortuary.com

Mila Tomas Alupay,

Our loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, had passed away on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021. She was born in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Phillippines on October 17, 1943 .

Mila was born to Victor Tomas Sr(deceased) and Prudencia Campos Tomas. Mila migrated to Hawaii in 1962 as a visitor but later received a student visa. She attended Maui Community College and graduated with an Associate in Science in Accounting. She has worked in different places that includes Maui Farmers Co-op - 1972, Ooka Supermarket - 1976, Bank of Hawaii - 1978, Woolworth - 1984, back to Bank of Hawaii - 1989, back to Ooka's in 1990's, and Walmart - 2001 until her passing. In 1972 she married Ely Alupay in the Philippines and later he joined Mila here on Maui. They welcomed their first child Emily in 1973 and their second child Randy in 1976. Mila enjoyed cooking for her family and watching Filipino shows on TV, and most especially, enjoyed talking via video chat with her grandchildren. Although she is no longer here, she will continue to live in the hearts of her children Emily Alupay and Randy (Michelle) Alupay, her grandchildren Breana Elise and Riley Malia, her mother Prudencia Campos Tomas, her siblings Ernesto Tomas and Carmen (Clement) Orquia, and her many nieces and nephews.

She is together now with her husband Ely Alupay and her brother Victor Tomas Jr.

Visitation will be held at Norman’s Mortuary on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. with continued visitation on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. A private burial will be held at Maui Memorial Park Cemetery in Wailuku.

Due to the on-going pandemic of COVID-19, we kindly ask for those in attendance to wear your masks and practice social distancing at all times. Seating will be limited to family RSVP. All other visitors will walk through visitation and exit back of the funeral home.

Condolences to: www.normansmortuary.com

Larry Dean Snook passed away on March 23, 2021 in Hilo, HI. Longtime resident of both Hilo and Marysville, CA, Larry was a proud US Navy Submarine Specialist and Vietnam Vet. He was active in his communities though service organizations like the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, and the Loyal Order of Moose, and was a lifetime member of the Sprinklerfitters Union. A voracious reader and generous soul, Larry was an avid collector of hot rods and ornamental swords. He is survived by his three daughters, Michelle Bond of Oroville, CA, Sharon Keoppel of Shingle Springs, CA, Tess Snook O’Riva of Rodeo, CA, and eight grandchildren. Donations in memory of Larry can be sent to the Moose Family Center, 205 South Walton Ave., Yuba City, CA 95993.

Gregorio Lux Taguding Jr, 59,

Our loving father, husband, brother and friend, had passed away on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 at the age of 59. He was born in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines on February 12th, 1962.

He attended Batac Central school, Batac Institute and University of Manila where he studied Bachelor of Science in Administration. He married his wife on Feb 17, 1989 and relocated to Maui on Oct 1993 at the age of 31. He worked tirelessly at Kaanapali Beach Hotel and The Ritz Carlton for 20 years.

He was the type of man that would light up the room with his witty jokes and playful antics. He loved to see people laugh. He had a passion of fixing things, playing cards and cooking. He enjoyed traveling back to the Philippines and Las Vegas.

Although he is no longer here, he will continue to live in the hearts of loving wife, Elizabeth Yadao Taguding; children, Christian (Jin) Taguding, Natily Taguding; Grandkids, Christian Taguding-Fernandez Devin Taguding-Fernandez, Arianna Taguding-Fernandez and Bailey Taguding-Fernandez.

He is together now with his mother Avelina Taguding; Father in law, Felix Yadao and Mother in law, Anastacia Yadao.

Visitation will be held at Norman’s Mortuary on Wednesday, April 27, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. with continued visitation on Thursday, April 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will be held at Valley Isle Memorial Park Cemetery in Haiku.

Due to the on-going pandemic of COVID-19, we kindly ask for those in attendance to wear your masks and practice social distancing.

Condolences to: www.normansmortuary.com

Lillian Tatsue Yamamoto

December 5, 1948 – March 22, 2021

Lillian Tatsue Yamamoto, 72, of Holualoa, Hawaii died March 22, 2021 in Kealakekua. She was born December 5, 1948, in Kealakekua, Hawaii. Lillian worked as a High School Teacher throughout Hawaii for over 35 years.

She is survived by son Steven (Nina) Yamamoto of Kailua Kona; brother James Nakagawa of Holualoa; sisters Elaine Nakagawa of Holualoa; June (Douglas) Nakata of Honolulu; Patsy Jackson of Citrus Heights, California; and Blanche (Richard) Hiraishi of Holualoa.

On March 22, 2021, the world lost a good man. Larry “Vaughn” Baker died unexpectedly at Maui Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

He was preceded by his parents, Wilma and Melvin Baker and a nephew, David Arnold. He is survived by his wife Luly Baker, stepson Gregory Wigger, former wife and friend Roz Baker, sister Sue McCoy (Denny) niece Emily Cash and family.

Vaughn was born on April 25, 1940 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. His family lived in Illinois, Texas and Oklahoma before moving to Gainesville, Florida where he finished growing pains. He graduated from Gainesville High in 1958 and then the University of Florida. After getting his Masters degree at John’s Hopkins University, Vaughn worked several years as a high school history teacher in Maryland before joining the government relations staff of the National Education Association. He was involved in many successful campaigns for NEA endorsed candidates, including that of his favorite: President Jimmy Carter.

In 1980, when a business opportunity opened up on Maui, after one too many snowstorms in Maryland, Vaughn and his then wife, moved to Lahaina and stayed.

In 1987, he joined the staff at Maui Community College as head of the non-credit programs. Eventually, he became the Director of Work Force Development for the entire University of Hawaii system until his retirement in 2011.

A celebration of Vaughn’s life will be held on his birthday, April 25, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing may donate to the Lahainaluna Foundation for the Vaughn and Luly Baker Scholarship fund.

P.O.Box11617

Lahaina, Hawaii 96761

Go Gators!