Obituaries for Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Margaret ‘Margie’ Ann Leina‘ala Ruiz
Margaret ‘Margie’ Ann Leina‘ala Ruiz
Margaret “Margie” Ann Leina‘ala Ruiz, of Rocklin, California, passed away on Jan. 11, 2023, at Sutter Roseville Medical Center at the age of 58. She was born on Oct. 9, 1964, in Maui. She was a baker with Safeway.
She was preceded in death by grandparents Damascio Sr. and Margaret “Maggie” Ruiz.
She is survived by mother Emily “Millie” Ruiz, hanai sister Leyona (Robert) Croisant of Lincoln, California, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Koloa on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. with Mass to follow at 10 a.m. The family request casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Emily ‘Millie’ Peggy Ruiz
Emily “Millie” Peggy Ruiz, of Koloa, passed away on June 12, 2023, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 85. She was born on March 10, 1938, in Waimea.
She was preceded in death by parents Damascio Sr. and Margaret “Maggie” Ruiz, daughter Margaret “Margie” Ruiz, brother Damascio Ruiz Jr., sisters Rose Medeiros, Shirley Cambra, in-laws Herbert Cambra, Edith Ruiz and John Vegas.
She is survived by caregivers Laurie Ann Ruiz, Raynette Chun, hanai daughter Leyona (Robert) Croisant of Lincoln, California, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, brother Donald Ruiz of Phoenix, Arizona, sister Mary Jane Vegas of Kailua, O‘ahu, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Koloa on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. with Mass to follow at 10 a.m. The family request casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Shikera Lehua Wilhelm
Shikera Lehua Wilhelm passed away on July 18, 2023, in Waimea, Kaua‘i, at the age of 34. She was born on March 6, 1989. She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her dad Edward Dean-Bryon Wilhelm, brother Berdedale Keoni Wilhelm-Kutzen, maternal grandparents Joseph S. and Mary E. Kutzen, paternal grandparents Edward D. and Ruby L. Wilhelm.
She is survived by her significant other Rio Rufes, son Ramzee Marley Wilhelm-Rufes of Waimea, daughter Kharmine Faith L. A. Wilhelm-Rufes of Waimea, mother Sonya Faith Wilhelm of Waimea, papa Klaine Kuapahi of Waimea, brothers Kaaomae S. Wilhelm of O‘ahu, Dean I. K. (Shyann) Wilhelm of Las Vegas, Nevada, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Hanapepe Salt Pond Beach Park main pavilion. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family the arrangements.
Rufina Butay
Rufina Butay, of Hanapepe, passed away on Aug. 16, 2023, at Hale Kupuna at the age of 96. She was born on July 27, 1927, in Pagudpud, Philippines. She was a retired seamstress.
She was preceded in death by husband Antonio Butay, son Wilfred Butay, daughters Pacita Butay and Solidad Olarti.
She is survived by son Kelly Butay of Tacoma, Washington, daughters Ofelia Butay Tutop of ‘Ele‘ele, Lani Butay Guillermo of Honolulu, hanai daughter Michal Nakashima of Hanapepe, 20 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren, sister Aning Manegdeg Ignacio of the Philippines, numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Garden Island Mortuary. Visitation is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and service from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Leah Kanoelani Pereira
Leah Kanoelani Pereira, of Kekaha, passed away on July 25, 2023, in Waimea at the age of 73. She was born on Sept. 18, 1949, in Waimea. She was a licensed practical nurse.
She was preceded in death by father Isaac K. L. Ho‘okano, mother Mitsuko Kimura and nephew Hoku Ho‘okano.
She is survived by husband Patrick Pereira, sons Patrick Liko Pereira of Waimea, Daniel Kila Pereira of Waimea, daughter Gina Marie (George) del Fierro of Makakilo, grandchildren Joshua Pereira, Tara del Fierro, Trey del Fierro, Kupono Pereira, great-grandchild Trekai del Fierro, brothers Aaron Ho‘okano of Honolulu, Isaac Liko Ho‘okano of Kekaha, sister Prellna McGee of California, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Sept. 30, at the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Kekaha Enterprise Center. Talk story/visitation is from 2 to 3:30 p.m. followed by a celebration of life.
The family suggests casual attire, welcomes flowers and requests that koden (monetary gifts) be omitted.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lucia Semana Ceballos
Lucia Semana Ceballos, 98, of Kalaheo, passed away on Aug. 25, 2023. She was born in Lihu‘e on Feb. 9, 1925, and retired from the County of Kaua‘i.
She was preceded in death by husband Francisco Ceballos Sr., sons Francisco Ceballos Jr., Donald Ceballos, Glenn Ceballos, grandson Donnie Ceballos, brothers Nicholas Semana, Suelo Semana, and sister Felisa Samio.
Lucia is survived by son Errol (RoseTatiana) Ceballos, daughters-in-law Sandy Ceballos, Mai Ceballos, Mona Ceballos, five grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Sept. 23, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., with services to follow at 10 a.m. Burial will take place at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home at a later date.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
David Saichi Higashi
David Saichi Higashi, 94, passed away on Sept. 2, 2023, in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i. He was born on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, on March 11, 1929, and was a Heavy-Equipment Mechanic Supervisor at the Lihu‘e Plantation. He served as a Private in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal and WWII Victory Medal.
He was preceded in death by parents Sakichi and Kiku (Morita) Higashi, son Andy Jiro Higashi, siblings Masayuki Higashi, Harry Higashi, York “Yukio” Higashi, Edith Higashi, and Peggy Yaka.
David is survived by his son Glyn (Wanda) Higashi, daughter Tina Therese Higashi, brother Richard “Kenji” (Mona “Misa”) Higashi, grandchildren Cherish Christine (Jeff) Mexia, Dustin Lee (Angela) Higashi, Javin Higashi, David Anthony Minoru Rapozo, Faith-Charle‘e Kasumi Rapozo, Kurt Andrew Saichi Rapozo, ‘Resa Rae Mikomi Rapozo, great-grandchildren Javlynn-Lee Mexia, Valoree Mexia, Sterling Mexia, Jubilee Mexia, Damien Makaio-Higashi, Leia Makaio-Higashi, Kai David Higashi, Laura Delphine Higashi, Kaylani Kauai Rapozo, Jahliah Lehua Theresa Rapozo, Jairus Anthony Minoru Rapozo, Kharmah Alaka‘i “GG” Leger, Chasie-Lei Emiko Rapozo, Easton Palata Saichi Rapozo, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with services to follow at 10 a.m.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the Higashi family with arrangements.
David ‘Dave’ Henriques
David “Dave” Henriques passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 1, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Redding, California, with his wife, children and some grandchildren by his side. He was 75 years old.
Dave was born on March 9, 1948, in Honolulu, on O‘ahu in the Territory of Hawai‘i to parents Manuel Souza Henriques, a Legislator in the House of Representatives for the Territory of Hawai‘i, and his wife Mary Henriques. A longtime resident of Redding, Calif., Dave grew up on the Island of Kaua‘i, in Kapa‘a, where he lived in what he always claimed was paradise.
Dave was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who served his community as an officer in the California Highway Patrol for 27 years.
He attended Kapa‘a High School in Kaua‘i, graduating in 1966. He was a proud member of the Future Farmers of America, and enjoyed drag racing and hot rods.
After high school, Dave left for the Mainland to attend Yuba College, where he met and fell in love with the forever love of his life, Emily Sousa. He received his AA degree while working on the Sousa Family Dairy. They were married on March 16, 1968, and remained married for 55 years until his death.
Dave began his CHP training on June 1, 1970, and began serving South Los Angeles on Sept. 25, 1970. He served the Newhall Area for 10 years, from 1973 to 1983, before moving to the North State on June 1, 1983. He would spend the rest of his career in Northern California, retiring on July 30, 1997. Officer Henriques faithfully provided the highest level of safety, service and security for the people of California for 27 years.
He medically retired from the CHP after being injured avoiding a drunk driver that almost hit him on the side of the road as he assisted another motorist. Still wanting to work and serve his community, Dave became a Private Investigator specializing in Workers Compensation cases and Background Investigations for incoming Law Enforcement Officers from 1998-2014.
In 2014, Dave transitioned to a Drivers Training Instructor for the Redding Driving School owned by his dear friends CB and Janice Farnsworth. He enjoyed spending his days teaching students the laws of the road and the importance of traffic safety while endlessly entertaining them with his arsenal of stories. He was lovingly known by his students as the “funny Hawaiian.” He continued to work there until his passing.
Dave always had a story or a joke to tell and would find ways to keep his company entertained and always encouraged them to stay longer. His hobbies included working with youth, hot rods and drag racing and his bowling team. He was a member of the Red Bluff Elks Lodge #1250. He is survived by his wife, Emily, of 55 years. He is also survived by daughters Michelle Clark of Red Bluff, Ca, Tracy Holmes of Medford Ore and his son, David Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps as a CHP officer in the Willows area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: William, George, Margaret, Albert, Florence, Alice, Helen, Dolores and Eugene. Dave was survived by his brother Lawrence S. Henriques of Walla Walla, Washington, as well as various nephews and nieces.
In addition, he is survived by his beloved grandchildren, Heidi, Garret, Tayah, Michael, Mallory, Trevor, Mellany; and his great-grandchildren, Zachary, Alexander and Justice.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Sept. 26, at Allen and Dahl Funeral Chapel, 21853 Honor Court, Palo Cedro, California. The family requests donations to the California Highway Patrol Widows and Orphans’ Fund in lieu of flowers.
Carol E. Seshiki
Carol E. Seshiki, of Kapa‘a, passed away on Aug. 27, 2023, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 85. She was born on Feb. 18, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois. She was a retired nurse.
She was preceded in death by husband Richard Seshiki, son Clayton “Butch” Shibao, grandson Dylan Kuwamura and parents Larry and Sue Brady.
She is survived by daughters Gina (Roddy) Kaulukukui, Laurie (Sherri) Shibao, Lisa (Pauly) Kuwamura, grandchildren Brandon (Brandy) Bridges-Basuel, Kristin (Dave) Kealoha, Noi Kaulukukui, Nainoa (Keaton) Kaulukukui, Mikayla Drews, great-grandchildren Braxton, Caiden and Ashlynn Ah Nee, Pua, Kawika, Kona, Akoni, Keani and Keoni Kealoha and Kaison Basuel and great-great-grandchild Tyler Marie Ah Nee.
A service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Anahola Club House. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Annie Wahinekula (Apo) Lacro
Annie Wahinekula (Apo) Lacro, 74, of Waimea, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023, at the Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Waimea, Kaua‘i, on Dec. 28, 1948.
She was a retired cafeteria helper at Waimea High School and a member of the Wai‘aka Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was an avid Bible reader, loved to cook for family gatherings, enjoyed doing word search puzzles and watching cooking shows. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her precious grandchildren and her beloved pet cuckatoo, Pearl.
Preceded in death by parents Samuel Apo Jr. and Katherine Makuaole Apo, brothers Bernard Makuaole Sr., Gary, Samuel, Alvin, Gilman, Darrell Apo and David Koani.
She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Julian Lacro of Waimea, daughters Myra (Adrian) Lacro Castaneda of Hilo, Jennifer (Frank) Lacro-Iwai and Maureen “Mahe” (Sam) Lacro Vegas of Kekaha, three grandchildren Kaena, Blake Micah and Häloa.
She is also survived by the close knit bond of her siblings Kathy (Dennis) Eastman of California, Dal (Gordon) Tremaine of O‘ahu, Dani (Jim) Newman of Washington state, Sandra “Nani” (Henry) Silva of Hilo, Kaleo (Laverne) Apo of O‘ahu, Kaeo (Debbie) Apo of Hanapepe, Roy (Petra) Apo of Arizona, Clifford Apo of Waimea, Hartwell (Judy) Apo of Kalaheo, her aunt and mentor Grace Acain of Kekaha, sisters-in-law Margaret Lacro of Waimea, Esther Lacro of Kona, Diane Apo and Sandra Makuaole of Kekaha, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held on the grounds of the Pakala Plantation Estate at 1000 Kaumuali‘i Hwy., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Visitation with the family will begin at 9 a.m. followed by services at 11 a.m. The family suggests casual attire.
Junicio Cacal Sr.
Junicio Cacal Sr., of Anahola, passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on Sept. 3, 2023, at the age of 72. Born in Waimea, Kaua‘i, on Nov. 28, 1950, he was a retired heavy equipment operator for Kekaha and Lihu‘e Plantation.
He was preceded in death by parents Isidro Cadiente Cacal and Aurilia Grande and sister Segundia “Tina” Litherland.
He is survived by wife Sherry Kaluahine-Cacal, children Junicio “Bongie” (Jessica) Cacal, Jr., Matthew (Jenna) Kaluahine, Keli‘i Cacal, Keerah Cacal, Junelle (Makana) Cacal-Makaneole, Kekoa Kaluahine-Cacal and Kala‘i Cacal, grandchildren Janelle, Jason, Kamaile, Matthias, Jacob, Kanoelani, Jenna, Katie, Keison, Mattix, Jianna and Hi‘ilei, brothers Alfredo (Myrna) Cacal, Artemio Cacal, Isidro “Eddie” (Rosanna) Cacal, Roland (Elisa) Cacal, Isidro “Sonny” (Tammy) Cacal, Robert (Charlene) Cacal, Richard (Chuck) Cacal and Ivan Cacal, sisters Angelina (Jose) Batres, Vivian Perry, Joann (Wesley) Ikeda and Glorayin (Duane) Cacal.
We invite family and friends to join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Hanapepe Neighborhood Center from 12 to 3 p.m. Private burial to take place at a later date.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dennis Mitsuaki Esaki
Dennis Mitsuaki Esaki, 71, of Wailua, passed away on July 25, 2023, at the Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu. He was born in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, on Nov. 20, 1951, and was the owner of Esaki Surveying and Mapping, Inc.
A private service was held. Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements. Burial followed at Kalapaki Bay Memorial Park.
A celebration of his life will be on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Grove Farm Park in Puhi.
