YAMASHITA, Ruriko “Lily”

RURIKO “LILY” YAMASHITA 1925 – 2024 Ruriko (Lily) Yamashita beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully on Friday, November 9, 2024, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, at the age of 99. She is the loving mother of Robert (Sharon Whatley) of Edmonton; Kathryn of Lethbridge; Geary (Cam) of Port Charlotte, Florida; Maureen (John Martini) of Osoyoos B.C.; and Linda (Bob Skelly) of Calgary. She is also survived by her sister June Tajiri; her sister-in-law Rose; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ruriko is predeceased by her father Masuzo Okahashi and her mother Kikue Okano; her brothers George and Charlie; and her sisters Nancy Leong, Merry Sameshima and Reiko Takeyasu.
Ruriko or Lily as she was known to family and friends was born on April 26, 1925, in Port Hammond B.C. and grew up on a berry farm in Haney B.C. With the onset of WWII, she and her family were relocated to Coaldale, Alberta to work in the sugar beet fields. There she met and married Yasuo Yamashita and together created a lifetime of cherished memories, raising five children, on a busy potato farm in Vauxhall Alberta. She will be remembered for her intelligent, loving and gentle nature, her many interests and hobbies, and above all her zest for life.
A visitation with the family will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 am on November 16, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am. To watch the service via livestream, please visit https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/RurikoLily-Yamashita to find the link.
A private family inurnment will be held.
Koden is gratefully declined. If you wish, please donate in Lily’s name to the SOUTHERN ALBERTA JAPANESE UNITED CHURCH, 821 – 9 AVENUE N. LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, T1H 1E8.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.