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.
On Thursday, May 14, 2015, the Wakamatsus lost a very valuable member of their family. Ruth Kikue Wakamatsu passed away at age 97 in her home in Hood River, Ore., with her family by her side.
She is survived by her four children: Judy Wols, Leland Wakamatsu, Michael Wakamatsu, Stephen Wakamatsu and her two brothers, Fred and Morris Okamura. She spent much of her time with her adoring family. She was loved dearly by her 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Although thankful for the many years with Ruth, they wished she could have lived forever.
Ruth, or “Kik,” was born in Hood River on Oct. 11, 1917, and grew up with her eight siblings in the Okamura family home on Belmont Road. She married Jim Wakamatsu on Jan. 17, 1939. They were happily married for 72 years before Jim passed away on Dec. 24, 2010.
She was a super woman by her family’s standards. For many years she worked on the family orchard and at the packing house at Diamond Fruit while raising four children.
She was a fabulous cook and showed her love by filling her family’s bellies. She was the fastest blueberry and huckleberry picker anyone’s ever seen and made family-famous pies. Stories and humor were usually present when Ruth was around. She had a cheerful and kind spirit which made her a pleasure to spend time with always.
Ruth will be greatly missed but the memories she created with her family will not be forgotten and her pie crust recipe will be passed on from generation to generation.
The family will be holding a graveside service which will be planned for a later date this summer. Many thanks to the Hospice of the Gorge for their loving care.
Services are pending at this time with arrangements under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000. Please visit andersonstributecenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.
To plant a tree in memory of Ruth Wakamatsu as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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