Independent Enterprise
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Hirono "Ronnie" Yasuda, 87 passed away peacefully on June 26, 2007 in Payette.
She was born in Toppenish, Washington on October 20, 1919 to Hamano and Shiuyemon Takehara. She graduated from Wapato High School as class salutatorian while also attending Japanese school.
Ronnie married Kendo Yasuda on May 10, 1942. One month later, they were evacuated with the Yakima Valley Japanese community to the Portland Assembly Center. They became part of a work release program of young people which were sent to Jamison, Oregon to work in the sugar beet fields.
Soon after, they had two children, Sharonne (Cho) Shimizu and Gary (Shawna) Yasuda.
Ronnie and Kendo farmed at various locations in the Treasure Valley before settling in Payette on the Yasuda Fruit farm north of town. Besides being a homemaker and mother she enjoyed working part-time for Davis Jewelry in Ontario during the 1960’s where she met many new friends. They retired from farming in 1990.
She especially enjoyed her travels to Japan, Hawaii, Victoria BC, and to Washington D.C. to view the lovely cherry blossoms.
Gardening and flowers were her passion. She was touched by the good Lord’s hand in her love of His nature and could turn the most simple things into something of beauty.
Ronnie lived and taught her whole life under two simple but strong beliefs. First being the "Golden Rule" of "Do unto other’s as you would have them do unto you". Second was "It is better to give then to receive". Her results of living her whole life under these rules are shown by the many wonderful life long friends she’s gained during her life’s journey.
Ronnie was a member of the Ontario Community Methodist Church and Snake River JACL and was active in various volunteer church and community activities during her busy years.
Surviving family includes her loving husband Kendo, sister Hisako "Sandie" (Bob) Miller, daughter Sharonne (Cho) Shimizu and Gary (Shawna) Yasuda, grand-daughters Michele (Gar) Nishioka and Shelley Allen and grand-son Ryan (Jenn) Wilkerson. Great grandchildren include Jayna and Cameron Nishioka along with Morgan Wilkerson. Four sister-in-law’s Matsuko (Joe) Inaba, Shiz (George) Hironaka, Maye (Tosh) Umemoto and Susie (Sonny) Mar along with 3 brother-in-laws Heizi Yasuda, George (Margie) Yasuda, Junior (Sharon) Yasuda along with several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Shiuyemon and Hamano along with brother’s Yosh, Ted, and Sumi Takehara and brothers-in-law Paul, Kay and Nobi Yasuda, Mom Matsumura and Tosh Umemoto. Sisters-in-law Toshiko Takehara and Haru Matsumura also preceded Ronnie’s passing.
Funeral Services followed a viewing at the Ontario Community Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Ralph Lawrence and Rev. Gene Hall under the direction of Summers Funeral Home, Boise Chapel.
Internment took place at Riverside Cemetery in Payette.
Our family would like to extend our gratitude to the Staff at Royal Villa Care Center for all the loving care given to Ronnie. Contributions may b made to Royal Villa Care Center, 1713 Center Ave, Payette or the Community Methodist Church in her name.
