Jodie-Keenan Leinaala Batin, 62, of Honomu, died July 16, 2022, at Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born in Kulanakii, Kaikea, she was a retired pre-audit clerk for Hilo Medical Center, softball coach for Laupahoehoe High School, Hilo High School and Hilo Comets, former president of Hawaii Amateur Softball Association and former kahu at Pohakupuka Congregational Church. Visitation 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Funeral service at 6 p.m. Burial 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Alae Cemetery. Celebration of life 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Kulaimano Community Center in Pepeekeo. Survived by husband, Sidney Batin of Honomu; hanai daughter, Jonette Ugalde of Pepeekeo; hanai son, Zavier “Pomai” Ugalde of Ahualoa; brothers, Perry-Blain Ugalde of Washington, Ernest (Annalynn) Ugalde of Pepeekeo, Valentino George Ugalde of Kona, Ryan (Florence) Sabate of Kaumana and Royden Sabate of Pepeekeo; sisters, Rhonda Sabate-Ugalde of Hilo, Richelle “Shelly” (Neal) Valentine of Puna and Megan-Bernelle L.U. Piliwale Silva of Oahu; sister-in-law, Jamie Ninio Ugalde of Ahualoa; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Allen Hugh Carman, 90, of Kailua-Kona died July 20 at home. Born in Peru, Neb., he was a retired literary professor, writer, photographer and boat builder. No services. No known survivors. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Verle “Butch” Eugene Hughes Jr., 75, of Kailua-Kona died July 24 at Kona Community Hospital. Born in Alexandria, Ind., he was owner of Kona Photo Arts, teacher at Konawaena High School, member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, Elks Club, Kona Baptist Church and Kona Festival Chorale. Services at a later date. Survived by wife, Pam Hughes of Kailua-Kona; daughter, Michelle (James Kennedy) Hughes of Kona; son, Michael Hughes of Kona; hanai daughters, Kalae Yonemura of Kona Lacey (Thomas) Scales of Kailua-Kona and Raylene (Brian) Sopkin of Kona; hanai son, David (Kiana) Yonemura of Georgia; three grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Kenneth Kenji Kimata, 86, of Hilo died July 12 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Olaa, he was a retired agent for First Insurance and Bishop Insurance, member of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin Hoyukai, the former Duffers Golf Club, Anela Kumiai and U.S. Army veteran. Private services held. No flowers or koden (monetary gifts). Survived by wife, Barbara Kimata of Hilo; daughter, Sherylyn (Royce) Tanouye of Honolulu; sons, Gregg (Marcia) Kimata of Hilo and Glenn (Tammy) Kimata of Aurora, Colo.; siblings, Edith (Richard) Lee of Honolulu, Roy (Lorraine) Kimata of Honolulu and Judy (Thomas) Haraguchi of Hilo; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Gerald “Gerry” Kuessner, 88, of Kailua-Kona died June 11 at home. Born in Mackenrodt, Germany, he was a designer at Fisher Body in Detroit, taught the CAD system at Wayne State University, was a tenor with the General Motors Chorus, Oakland University Community Chorus and an extra on stage with the Metropolitan Opera Company’s summer tour in Detroit. He sang with the Kona Community Chorus, now the Kona Choral Society, Gloryland Singers, Kona Festival Chorale and the choir at Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity. Scattering of ashes at a later date. Survived by wife, Brenda Kay (née Champagne) of Kailua-Kona; children, Suzanne Moore Benloucif of Ann Arbor, Mich., Lynn (Gordie Chetosky) Kuessner of Chicago and Mike Kuessner of Harrison Township, Mich.; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Shorrene “Shori” Lee Whelan, 73, of Hilo died Aug. 1 at home. Born in Salt Lake City, she was a homemaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, yoga instructor, citizen scientist, seamstress, gardener and member of Ainaola Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Memorial services held. Online condolences: www.dodomortuary.com. Survived by husband, Kelly Whelan of Hilo; sons, Sean (Courtney) Whelan of Salt Lake City and Kyle (Jillian) Whelan of Atascadero, Calif.; brother, Greg Smith of Redding, Calif.; sisters, Winnie Smith and Cynthia Smith-McHale of Redding; five grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.