Obituary for Ruth Toyoko Kaya (Yamada)
Ruth Toyoko Kaya, 92, of Wailuku, Maui, died on October 12, 2020. She was born in Laie, Oahu, on February 29, 1928. She was predeceased by her husband, James Setsuo Kaya; parents, Yasukichi and Tatsuyo Yamada; brothers, Ricky and Tommy; and sister Chiyoko.
Ruth is survived by son, Clayton (Kyohee) Kaya, daughters, Yolanda (Larry) Mandawe and Leola Kaya; stepson Wesley (Pre) Apo and Ohana; sister, Juanita Nagata; grandchildren, Lia Enomoto, Elyse (Keoki) Hong, and Casey Kaya; and great-granddaughter, Kaiya Hong.
The proprietor of Yamada’s restaurant, Ruth later became a Japanese interpreter/narrator for Gray Line Tours. She was a member of the Tenrikyo Haleakala Church, where she found comfort and looked forward to socializing with fellow members. Ruth also enjoyed going to Las Vegas because playing slot machines gave her excitement and happiness.
The family is grateful to the staff of Hospice Maui Hale for the compassionate care Ruth received in her final days.
Services will be held at a later date. The family requests no flowers or koden.
Ruth is survived by son, Clayton (Kyohee) Kaya, daughters, Yolanda (Larry) Mandawe and Leola Kaya; stepson Wesley (Pre) Apo and Ohana; sister, Juanita Nagata; grandchildren, Lia Enomoto, Elyse (Keoki) Hong, and Casey Kaya; and great-granddaughter, Kaiya Hong.
The proprietor of Yamada’s restaurant, Ruth later became a Japanese interpreter/narrator for Gray Line Tours. She was a member of the Tenrikyo Haleakala Church, where she found comfort and looked forward to socializing with fellow members. Ruth also enjoyed going to Las Vegas because playing slot machines gave her excitement and happiness.
The family is grateful to the staff of Hospice Maui Hale for the compassionate care Ruth received in her final days.
Services will be held at a later date. The family requests no flowers or koden.