Ruriko Westna Watanabe Yatabe, a valued Gardena Valley News secretary and treasurer for nearly five decades, died peacefully at her Gardena Home Jan. 17, 2014, according to family. She was 92.
Known affectionately as Ruri by fellow GVN employees, Yatabe was one of the newspaper’s driving forces since her hire in the 1950s. During the newspaper’s hey day as a family-owned business, she served the company in various capacities, and worked closely with owner-publisher Don Algie, and company president, John Meyers.
Ruriko Westna Watanabe Yatabe, a valued Gardena Valley News secretary and treasurer for nearly five decades, died peacefully at her Gardena Home Jan. 17, 2014, according to family. She was 92.
Known affectionately as Ruri by fellow GVN employees, Yatabe was one of the newspaper’s driving forces since her hire in the 1950s. During the newspaper’s hey day as a family-owned business, she served the company in various capacities, and worked closely with owner-publisher Don Algie, and company president, John Meyers.
During World War II, she was relocated to an internment camp in Amache, Colo. She later settled with her family in Gardena, and resided there for more than 65 years.
Ruriko Yatabe is preceded in death by her husband, Youtaka, and beloved daughter, JoAnn Yatabe-Kuntz.
She is survived by her son, Daniel (wife Bonnie) and son-in-law Tom Kuntz and five grandchildren: Lauren and Greg Kuntz and Paige, Bryan and Kyle Yatabe.
A private memorial service took place earlier this month at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes.
Those wanting to pay their respects to Ruriko, can sign a guestbook at www.greenhillsmortuary.com.
