John Baji, 84, of Keaau died Feb. 2 at home. Born in Honokaa, he was a retired construction worker and U.S. Army veteran. Graveside committal service noon Wednesday (March 14) at Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 for Mr. Baji and his wife, Patricia Baji, who died Nov. 29, 2012. Casual attire. Survived by hanai son, John Branlund of Hilo; stepdaughters, Mary Madrigal of Mountain View and Deborah (Wilkie) Hayashida of Pahoa; stepsons, Timothy Creason and Jeffrey Creason of California, James (Danielle) Creason of Tucson, Ariz.; brother, Marshall Baji of Honolulu; sister, Cecilia Ogata of Hilo; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Donna Lee Butterworth, 62, of Hilo died March 6 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Philadelphia, she was a singer and child actress who starred with Elvis Presley in “Paradise, Hawaiian Style.” Private memorial and celebration of life at a later date. Survived by mother, Isabella Chalfant of Las Vegas; brother, William T. Butterworth of Las Vegas; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Isamu “Joseph” Iha, 83, of Captain Cook died Feb. 12 at Life Care Center of Kona. Born in Hanalei, Kauai, he was a TV repairman, owner of the former Kona Electronics Center, member of Hind Kumiai and Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and U.S. Army veteran. Private services held. No koden (monetary gifts). Survived by wife, Jane Iha of Captain Cook; numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Joseph Kahalehii Kumukoa, 78, of Kapaau died Feb. 17 at Life Care Center of Kona. Born in Keei, he was a laborer for the City and County of Honolulu and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kohala Senior Citizens and Kohala Senior Citizens softball league. Visitation 8-10 a.m. Saturday, March 17, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kohala Chapel in Hawi. Service at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Hawi County Cemetery. Casual attire; flowers welcome. Survived by brothers, Lee (Virginia) Dela Cruz and Eric (Elsie) Dela Cruz of Kapaau; sister, Gail (Frank) Pelekai of San Diego; sister-in-law, Marylin Kumukoa of Halaula; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Natalie “Natalia” Osborne, 42, of Pahoa died March 3 at Hawaii Care Choices’ Pohai Malama Care Center. Born in Chicago, she was a raw food chef. Services pending. No local survivors. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Yeichi Yamamoto, 94, of Keaau died Feb. 28 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Olaa, he was a retired carpenter for Hick’s Homes, U.S. Army military policeman during World War II, member of Puna Hongwanji, avid golfer and fan of the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and UH Athletics. Private services held. No koden (monetary gifts). Survived by wife, Misako Yamamoto of Keaau; daughters, Jocelyn (Michael) Kasamoto of Honolulu, Cyd (Paul) Arrington of Kauai and Gail (Scot) Rosehill of Kurtistown; son, Miles (Margo Fulton) Yamamoto of Oregon; son-in-law, Steve Hurt of Hilo; sisters, Anne (Ned) Matsuyama of Honolulu and Yoshiko Hayes of Georgia; sister-in-law, Alice (Nori) Watanabe of Honolulu; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Kunimitsu “Kuni” Yoshiwa, 93, of Pepeekeo died Feb. 19 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Pahoa, he was a retired research technician for the University of Hawaii Agricultural Experimental Station and U.S. Army World War II veteran. Private services held. No flowers or koden (monetary gifts). Survived by wife, Hatsumi Yoshiwa of Pepeekeo; son, Reed Yoshiwa of Pepeekeo; daughter, Kyle (Marshall) Ando of Mililani, Oahu; sister, Sumiko Kai of Waipahu, Oahu; four grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Myrtle “Myrtie” Toyoko Zukeran, 69, of Hilo died Feb. 26 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Olaa, she was a former clerk for Clinical Labs of Hawaii and deli clerk at KTA Super Stores, member of Puna Hongwanji Mission Kyodan and YBA, Hui Okinawa, and former member of Kin Ryosho Dance Academy and Hilo Bon Dance Club. Visitation 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Memorial service at 3:30 p.m. Casual attire. Survived by husband, Raymond Zukeran of Hilo; son, Corey (Melanie) Zukeran of Pearl City, Oahu; sisters-in-law, Carol Miyahira of Honolulu and Ruth Miyahira of Hilo; two granddaughters; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
