Rina Yamashita

1921 - 2008

Rina Yamashita of Caldwell died Wednesday, April 9, 2008. She was 86.
The first of five children, Rina was born Oct. 3, 1921, to Aiko and Ben Yamamoto in Woodville, Idaho. As in many immigrant families, because she was the first-born, Rina began her educational career not knowing very much English; however, it was not long before she was speaking the language fluently, teaching her siblings, and cultivating what was to become her lifelong fascination with words and their meanings. From her shy beginning at Greenhurst School in Nampa, she grew in her command of language and in 1940 was the co-editor of the "Nampa Growl," Nampa High School's newspaper.
She married Masao Yamashita in 1940 and together they successfully braved the volatile wartime and post-war climate, raising three children and dedicating their energies to improving the quality of education in the Boise Valley. Involved in the progress of Maple Grove School, Rina and her friend, Peggy Axelsen, were instrumental in beginning the hot lunch program.
During the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, Rina taught her children about excellence and commitment through 4-H, scouting, music, swim and dance lessons. She worked in PTA, loved her time with the Good Neighbors Club, did some field work, grew and preserved food - all the things mothers of that day were doing for their families. She could iron a white shirt on the "Ironrite" in a matter of minutes and whip up a batch of homemade ice cream without missing a beat. Her popcorn balls were legendary in many circles.
While not participating in judo herself, she understood its importance in the character development of the young people learning the sport. In fact, it is with her support that her husband, Masao began and grew the Boise Valley Dojo. She was also instrumental in the success of the judo club's exchange program with college students from Japan who came to the US to help coach the judo team and to further their own education.
Rina was in her element when she took classes to become a medical secretary. Following the completion of her course work, she worked for Caldwell physician John Nielsen for many years. Her command of medical terminology and attention to detail cemented her value in the business side of the practice while her cheerful disposition put countless apprehensive patients at ease in the waiting room. After Dr. Nielsen left Caldwell, she continued to work in the field at the Idaho Migrant Council Clinic.
After more than 60 years on the farm, Rina and Mas moved to an independent apartment at Karcher Estates in 2002. There they spent six wonderful years, making many new friends, playing cards and joining the various group activities.
Rina was preceded in death by her husband, Masao, who passed away in early January 2008.
She is survived by her two sisters, Mae Yamaki of Virginia and Martha Kawaguchi of Seattle, and her two brothers Kay Yamamoto and Archie Yamamoto, both of Caldwell; a son, Ted Yamashita and daughter-in-law, Susan Walsh Yamashita, of Virginia, a daughter Carol Inouye and son-in-law, Kris Inouye of Caldwell, a daughter, Nancy Arnold of Los Angeles; grandchildren, Tim and Kendra Yamashita, John Yamashita, and Kate Yamashita of Virginia, Lisa and Mike Graff of Virginia, Karl and Tarumi Inouye of Los Angeles; great-grandchildren, Jacqueline and Sara Inouye, Corinne Yamashita, and Richard and Elizabeth Graff; brother and sisters-in-law Kiyo and Marrie Yamashita, Mary Yamashita, Jane and Ron Yamamoto, Shirley and Tats Yamamoto; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, under the direction of Dakan Chapel, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 21. A celebrational tribute to Rina will follow at the Nampa Civic Center.