Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Mary Yoneko Migaki, 98, a resident of Dallesport, Wash., passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Eatonville, Wash., on June 24, 1917, the youngest of four children to Minekichi and Sute (Takahashi) Tamura. She grew up in Troutdale, Ore., and graduated from Gresham High School in 1935 and went to business college for a short time.
Mary and Masashi Migaki were married on February 18, 1940, at The Dalles Congregational Church. They resided in Rowena, Ore., for a short time, then moved to Dallesport, Wash., for 74 years, except during the war they were evacuated to Pinedale, Calif., and then to Tule Lake, Calif. After about 8 months they got jobs in Ontario, Ore. They were allowed to return to their home in Dallesport, Wash., after the war. They raised vegetables and fruit on their truck farm. She retired when the children planted cherry trees on the farm.
She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Columbia Grange 987 and JACL. She attended the senior meals at the Lyle Lions Club every Tuesday. She went mushroom hunting (which was her passion) well into her 90's and loved to go clam digging and traveling. She was an avid spectator of her children and grandchildren's sporting events.
She is survived by her daughters, Janet (Walt) Smith, and Rebecca (Dennis) Beeks; her sons, Roger (Delia) Migaki, and Gerry (Annie) Migaki; her grandchildren, Steve (Cary) Smith, Melissa Severson, Debbie (Brian) Tobin, Rick (Tracie) Beeks, Miko (Ray) Hoy, and Tim Migaki, and a step-granddaughter; 15 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home with Pastor John Westhafer officiating. Honorary pallbearers; Debbie Tobin, Rick Reeks, Steve Smith, Missi Severson, Miko Hoy and Tim Migaki.
Donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Gorge.
To plant a tree in memory of Mary Migaki as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
