Louise aka Ruth Yaeko Tokin
August 6, 1923 - April 11, 2011
Obituary
Louise ‘Ruth’ Yaeko Tokin was born on August 6, 1923 and passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2011 surrounded by family. She is survived by her loving husband, Lewis, and her children, Trudy Neal Hayashida, Gary Higashi, Ellen Tim DeGroat, Anne Patrick Suyama and sisters Mable Tamura and Katsu Dave Cook, 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Akira Higashi, son, Anthony, brothers, Toshiichi ‘Jack’ and John Uno, and sister, Mary Fujiwara.
Ruth was the fourth of six children born in Auburn, Washington to Hikohichi and Suye Uno. Having a kind and loving heart, she doted on her grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She enjoyed being with her large extended family and many friends on New Year’s Day and making mochi at Nisei Vets Hall. She always looked forward to the Shigaken Ohmi Club’s New Year’s party and summer picnic, the White River Obon, celebrating the holidays and the grandchildren’s birthdays. Ruth worked at a number of cafes in Seattle’s Chinatown after returning from the Minidoka, Idaho Internment Camp, and later retired from Boeing after 16 years. She was a member of the Shigaken Club, and involved with Cathay Post 186 American Legion, the Chinese Community Service Organization and the Seattle Imperials & Little Diplomats Drum & Bugle Corps. After she and Lew were married they traveled across the country. At their home in Enumclaw, Ruth enjoyed vegetable gardening, raising chickens and volunteering in the community with the Enumclaw VFW Women’s Auxiliary. Later they moved to Ocean Shores, Washington to be closer to some of the activities they enjoyed together, razor clam digging, crabbing and fishing. She was a tenacious matsutake hunter and well seasoned hana card player.
Ruth will always be remembered for her wonderful laugh, great sense of humor and being a person who had tremendous love for her family and friends. Ruth was the happiest when she saw those around her enjoying life.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Bonney-Watson, 1732 Broadway, Seattle WA 98122. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Cross Japan Relief Fund or the charity of your choice.