Amy Kakimoto

Amy Kakimoto, a longtime resident of Santa Barbara, went home to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 101. She lived a full, happy and complete life. She was born to Kamiji and Ugo Komuro in Kobe, Japan. At age 12, Amy was called by her father to come to the United States to live with her family in Los Angeles, Ca. It was there, in 1928, that she met her future husband of 63 years, Ikey Kakimoto. They were married on May 26, 1930, in the Maricopa County Courthouse in Phoenix, Arizona. During WW II, Amy's family was evacuated and interned at Hart Mountain, Wyoming. It was at this time that her family experienced its greatest challenge. Amy was always quick to share that it was at this time that her family's faith and trust in God grew tremendously. Seeing God provide their daily needs not only strengthened their faith but also gave them inner peace and hope for the future. After the war, the family returned to their home in Santa Barbara. Amy took great pride in her membership in the Republican "Gal's" Club of Santa Barbara where she served for many years. She was a charter member of the Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara where she was an active participant for over 35 years. Her father began teaching her the art of bonsai as a young girl. Amy's passion for this living art form was evident in the beauty and character of the bonsai she created. She enjoyed turning a relatively young plant into a mature looking tree projecting great age and character. Amy's other passion was her church family at Bethany Congregational Church in Santa Barbara where she served in various ministries and participated in weekly Bible studies. Preceded in death by her husband, Ikey, in 1994, and her two sisters, Nobue Hatchimonji and Marian Katayama. Amy is survived by her daughters, Kay Willis of Santa Barbara, Jean Yuki of Ventura; three grandchildren, Grant Willis, Ron Fukumra, and Sharon Satow; four great grandchildren, Sasha Willis, Samantha Satow, Stephanie Satow, and Garisson Satow. A memorial service will be held at Bethany Congregational Church, 556 Hope Avenue on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany Congregational Church.

Amy Kakimoto

January 26, 1911 - July 7, 2012