Latu Fakahua

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Fatafehi Litiane Latu Vava’u Fakahua, who peacefully completed her earthly mission on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Surrounded by her beloved family in her cherished home in Ivins, Utah, she left this world at the age of 86.

Born in Apifo’ou Sailoame Neiafu, Tonga, to Analolohea Finau and Sitamipa Isikeli Finau, Latu embraced life with warmth and love. She married her devoted husband, Malakai Pua Fakahua, in August 3rd, 1964 in Vava’u, Tonga. Their love was eternalized when they were sealed in the Oakland, California Temple.

Together, they lovingly crafted a warm and nurturing environment for their family in San Bruno, California, opening their hearts and home to many families in need. Latu had a special way of making others feel welcomed, often picking up families from the airport and extending a compassionate hand to those who found themselves without a place to turn. She offered shelter and comfort, providing support until they could regain their footing. With unwavering dedication, she embraced the roles of taxi driver, cook, laundromat, and tutor, always ready to help the 25 to 30 guests who found refuge in their home. Their heartfelt decision to retire in Ivins, Utah, was fueled by a deep longing to be closer to the children and grandchildren they adored, who filled their lives with joy and love.

Latu is lovingly remembered by her family and friends, preceded in death by her father, Sitamipa Isikeli Finau; her mother, Analolohea Finau; her brothers VeaMalohi Finau, Semisi Ta’ofikaetau Finau, Epeli Nailasikau Matini Lose Finau, Fungavaka Feinea Finau, Paula Lolo Finau, and ‘Ioane Lolohea Mohetonu He Faee Finau; her beloved husband, Malakai Pua Fakahua; her treasured daughter, Ulukilupetea Nio; her twin granddaughters, Marley Si’i and Mana Nio; and her great-grandson, Titan Makoni.

Throughout her life, Latu embodied the spirit of love and humility as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy of kindness and service resonates deeply within her family. A steadfast member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she faithfully served in various callings, always sharing her beautiful voice and joy for life. Latu’s passion for singing and dancing brought joy to family gatherings, where she would often lead her loved ones in song and prayer.

The stories of her ancestry and experiences were treasures she loved passing on to her children and grandchildren. She cherished the special moments spent with all 14 of her grandchildren during week-long sleepovers filled with laughter and love. Latu delighted in being a nurturing grandmother, sharing her Tongan cooking, storytelling, and creative talents as a seamstress. Her home was a haven of warmth, where she poured her heart into cooking, singing, dancing, knitting, crocheting, and sewing.

Latu’s legacy lives on in her loving family, which includes:

- Son Oscar Pua (Jennifer) Fakahua, granddaughter Marley (Sione) Makoni and their son Hia; grandson Mason (Naotala) Fakahua; grandson Drew (Shylen) Fakahua; and grandson Drake Fakahua.

- Son Salesi Misinale (Kimberly), grandson VeaMalohi (Angela) Fakahua and their children Malakai, Harvey, and Enoch; granddaughter Alisi (Zachariah) Tauteoli and their children Keleia, Maia, Analia, and Eliza; grandson Malakai (Camryn) Fakahua and their children Lesieli and Laveni.

- Son-in-law Mose Nio; grandsons Sauni Nio, Tonga Nio(Kyra, fiancée), and Samoa Nio.

- Daughter Anaseini Liumeitupou Fakahua; granddaughter Laaina’ipangai Fakahua; grandson Toshfatafehi (Morgan, fiancée) Wright; and granddaughters Fuifuimoana Wright and Ulukilupetea Wright.

As we celebrate Latu’s remarkable life, we hold her memory close in our hearts, grateful for the love and light she brought to each of us.

A viewing will be held Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Manzanita Chapel located at 3519 Manzanita Rd., St. George, Utah. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 12:00p.m. noon at the same location. A viewing will be held prior to service, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Interment will be in the Ivins City Cemetery 200 W 400 N, Ivins, UT 84738.

Funeral services may be viewed by clicking the livestream below.