Obituaries for February 8

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

William “Bill” Bates, 64, of Kailua-Kona died Nov. 30 at Hospice of Kona Nakamaru Hale in Holualoa. Born in Iowa, he was a retired federal computer specialist. Private service. Survived by wife, Betty Rawsthorne of Kailua-Kona; sisters, Connie Perrin of Minnesota and Tori Twigg of Kentucky; brother, Robert Bates of Iowa; cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Cremation Services of West Hawaii.

Diane Cox, 65, of Pahoa died Feb. 4 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Blue Island, Ill., she was a retired salesperson and member of Pahoa Senior Citizens. Celebration of life will at a later date. Survived by husband, Jeff Cox of Pahoa; daughter, Jennifer (Julian Vasquez) Brewster of Sacramento, Calif.; son-in-law, William Brewster of Sacramento; son, Jake Gibson of Hawaii; sister, Becky (Terry) Tankersley of Illinois; three grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Lolita “Lita” Baruelo Gebin, 70, of Pahoa died Jan. 22 at home. Born in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines, she was a retired flower farmer and member of Pahoa Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation 9-10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 15) at Pahoa Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Casual attire. Survived by, daughter, Flordeliza (William Carrillo) Gebin of Colorado; son, Manuel Gebin Jr. of Pahoa; brother, Jose “Joe” (Epifania “Epay”) Baruelo of Pahala; sister, Felomina Baruelo Obra of Binalonan, Pangasinan, Philippines; two grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.

Betsy Matsuko Motoyama, 104, of Keaau died Jan. 10 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Holualoa, she was a retired domestic helper. Graveside service 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at Holualoa Japanese Cemetery. Survived by niece, Geraldine Tenn; nephews, Wayne Kawamoto, Dennis Motoyama and James (Lorraine) Motoyama; a grandnephew. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.

Theresa Rossi, 57, of Keaau died Jan. 29 at home. She was born in Ohio. Private services. Survived by sons, Miles Campbell Sr. of Hilo, Travis Campbell of Pahoa and Colin Campbell of Maui; brother, John Rossi of Ohio; sister, Antoinette “Toni” Dale of Illinois; a grandchild. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.

Janet Gaynor Silva, 87, of Keaau died Feb. 2 at home. Born in Olaa, she worked in the housekeeping department at the former Naniloa Hotel and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation 9-10 a.m. Thursday (Feb. 14) at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mass at 10:30 a.m. Casual attire. Burial noon at Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2. Survived by sons, Jeffery (Rochelle) Silva and Bruce (Jennifer) Silva of Keaau, Mark (Davieanna Mercado) Silva of Mountain View; hanai daughters, Ashley Silva, Alyssa Silva and Kahealani Silva of Mountain View; brother, George (June) Rapoza of Oahu; sisters, Diolinda Ah Fong of Pepeekeo, Cecelia Fields and Elsie House of mainland; sister-in-law, Mae Louise Gomes of Kona; 13 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.