Leigh Ann “Dooley” Bento, 66, of Kona died Nov. 13 at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center in Honolulu. Born in Honolulu, she was a graduate of Hilo High School and University of Hawaii at Hilo and tended bar at the Shark Shack and the Mask in Kona. Celebration of life, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 19) at Onekahakaha Beach Park large pavilion in Hilo. Casual attire; no flowers. Survived by companion, Michael Ault of Kona; mother, Carol Bento of Hakalau; sisters, Barnette Seffens of Las Vegas and Michael Demotta of Hilo; brother, Stanley “Tosh” Bento of Hakalau; aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Carol Ann Hocker, 73, of Hilo, died Oct. 24, at Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born in Rutland, Vt., she was an occupational therapist and taught special needs children, University of Vermont magna cum laude graduate in 1971, danced hula for Lori Lei Shirakawa, taught international folk dance, played the fiddle, wrote fiddle tunes, made miniatures, painted watercolors as taught by Jane Chao and was involved in the creation of Lavaloha Chocolate farm. No services at this time. Survived by husband, Lon Hocker. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.
Rana Germaine Mapuana Hopfe, 69, of Hilo died Feb. at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in Hilo; she was a retired cook for Café 100 and cook at K’s Drive Inn, Kandy’s Drive Inn and Life Care Center. Celebration of life at a later date. Survived by sons, Melvin (Daisy) Kilaulani Jr. of Hilo and Melcolm (Tasi) Kilaulani of Oahu; daughters, Melanie Hopfe-Kilaulani and Rachel (Kaipo) Belisario of Oahu; brothers, William “Bully” (Carol) Hopfe of Oahu and Jeffery Hopfe of Washington state; sisters, Joyce Hopfe of Las Vegas, Gwendolyn “Sugar” Collier of Virginia, Claudette Hopfe of Oahu, Leila (Jason) Ryusaki of Hilo and Brenda Dorsey of Florida; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Ryan Ku‘ualoha Ka‘awaloa, 53, of Pahoa died Dec. 30 in Hilo. Born in Honolulu, he was an adult corrections officer at Maui and Hawaii Community Correctional Centers, had been an on-air personality as “Ryan K” at KWXX, KBIG and KAHU, was the infamous “Shin Ku” with the former Hawaii Championship Wrestling played ukulele and sang and hosted karaoke. Visitation 3-4 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 19) at Uncle Robert’s Hale in Kalapana. Celebration of life service at 4 p.m. Survived by children, Alexis Yamamoto and Alyzandra (Slater) Ka‘awaloaof Hilo; companion, Slydene Heiret of Orchidland Estates; mother, Laureta Young Ka‘awaloa of Pahoa; siblings, Nani (Joel) Pinon-Ka‘awaloa of Oregon, Razinha (David) Ka‘awaloa of Kaneohe, Oahu, and Rashanti (Kalele) Ka‘awaloa (Kalele) of Hawaii Kai, Oahu; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Suzanne Kekahuna, 71, of Hilo died Jan. 6 at home. She was born in Tucson, Ariz. Celebration of life 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo. For info contact: (808) 443-4243. Survived by sons, Christopher Arruda and Lionel (Lani) Arruda; daughters, Lisa (Ben) Cabral and Christine Kekahuna; five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.
Rosita B. “Rose” Yamasaki, 75, of Pepeekeo died Jan. 12 at Legacy of Hilo. Born in Cebu, Philippines, she was a retired field crew leader for Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Co. and a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Papaikou. Private services held at Dodo Mortuary Chapel with burial in Alae Cemetery, Section K. Survived by daughters, Michelle (Wesley Isabel) Yamasaki of Pepeekeo and Gail Yamasaki of Washington; son, Clyde Yamasaki of Pepeekeo; sisters, Candida Gedaro of Philippines, Lourdes Monteau and Hedeliza Fatchen of Australia; three grandsons, a great-grandson and two great-granddaughters. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.