Hideka Watanabe

Hideka Watanabe died Sunday evening, January 29, 2012 with her son holding her hand at The Carriage House in Snowflake, Navajo County, Arizona. She was 87 years old. Hideka was born on Friday, February 15, 1924 in Glendale, Maricopa County, Arizona to the late Tsunenori and Katsuko (Okabayashi) Okabayashi. She was a loving wife to her husband and a devoted mother to her children. In his own words, her husband would like to express his thoughts to all whom will read: "My wife, companion, and best friend peacefully crossed over to be with the 'Prince of Peace', Jesus Christ. I miss her deeply, but God has her 'in the palm of His hand.' For those who knew Hideka, treasure the memory of her life here (Psalm 23) but, celebrate her Everlasting Life (John 3:16). God Bless You All, Tosh Watanabe and Family." Hideka is survived by: her husband, Toshiji Watanabe of Solterra Senior Living in Lakeside, Arizona; 2 children: Ronald (Diane) Watanabe of Pinetop, Arizona, Patricia (Steven) Kishi of Huntington Beach, California; 3 grandchildren: Christina Kishi of Huntington Beach, California, John (Marla) Shukur of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, Leila Shukur of Hermosa Beach, California; 3 great-grandchildren: John John Shukur, Jake Shukur and Zoe Flynn. Private family services will be held. Memorial contributions in Hideka's name to: Desert Cross Community Church, 4143 N. 43rd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85301 have been suggested by her family. Her family would like to publicly acknowledge their gratitude for the special loving care Hideka received from Patty Matyas and her staff at The Carriage House and are especially grateful for all the prayers offered up on their behalf.