Ruby Yorizane

RUBY YORIZANE

Ruby Chizuko Yorizane passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2003, at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 78. Her early interest was in nursing, but turned toward education while in a relocation camp in Poston, AZ. After the war, she married Shaw Yorizane. They had two children, Shaw, Jr. and Cheryl. They made their home in Reedley, CA where they worked on their family farm. While raising a family, she continued her education. She later graduated from Fresno State with a degree in education. Ruby taught second, third, and fourth grade at Washington Elementary School in the Kings Canyon Unified School District in Reedley for 38 years. In 1990, she received a heart transplant and returned to teaching her beloved students for ten more years. Those who knew Ruby knew her boundless energy and dedication to meeting the needs of each of her students. "She lived a buddhistic life and showed gratitude and compassion to all who knew her." The blessings of daily life she received from people, whether great or small, were never taken for granted. Her gift in return was love and encouragement that made a difference to the countless lives she touched and inspired. Home was where her heart was, particularly her love of the openness of living in the country and with her beloved family. She was active throughout her life despite her ensuing medical struggles. She continued to appreciate each day without complaining and lived her life to the fullest. She was preceded in death by her husband Shaw; and her parents, Tsukasa and Umeko Ueki. She leaves behind her son Shaw Jr. and his wife Georgia and their children, Kara, Jameson, and Andrea of Fresno; her daughter Cheryl and her husband Curtis Koga and their children, Tommy, Bobby, Curtis Ross, and Kimberly of Reedley; siblings, William Ueki and his wife Reiko of Fresno, Margaret and her husband Frank Watanabe of Cupertino, Anna and her husband Min Araki of Los Gatos, Mary and her husband Ned Kikuchi of Cupertino, and Thelma and her husband Bob Sugita of Saratoga; also ten nieces and nephews. Throughout her life, she always stressed the importance of education and encouragement for everyone to do their best. She raised her children and taught her students with a firm hand, but always guided with a warm and caring heart. "We will all miss her dearly." Visitation will be held at Cairns Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 25, 2003, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held for her at the Buddhist Church of Parlier, 360 Newmark Avenue in Parlier on Wednesday, November 26, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Graveside Memorial. CAIRNS FUNERAL HOME940 F Street, Reedley 638-2233