RUTH TAKAKO BEFU WAKAI May 4, 1928 to October 30, 2013 Ruth was born in Pahoa, Hawaii and grew up in Hilo. Shortly after moving to Honolulu, she entered the Cherry Blossom Pageant. That event transformed her from a country girl to a sophisticated city girl, but she retained her charming personality. In 1956, Ruth was hired as a Japanese Nisei flight attendant by Pan American Airways - America's flagship airlines. Her friendly and gracious personality made her perfect for handling orphans from Japan and Korea traveling to the U.S. on Pan Am. On numerous occasions, she cared for these frighten children by bringing them home. She fed them, bathed them, and let them rest until their connecting flight to the mainland. Ruth retired from Pan Am in 1985. She helped run the family travel agency, Globe Travel, and also volunteered with the Japanese Women Society. Ruth is survived by her husband, Calvin, daughter, Dawn Hussey Riggs, son, Glenn, sister, Margaret Schultz, brother, Dr. George Befu, 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. A big MAHALO to the St. Francis Heathcare System of Hawaii, especially the Staff of the Home Care and Hospice Home Care that showed so much love and support for Ruth. Memorial Service will be held on November 16th at Makiki Christian Church, 829 Pensacola St.. Visitation from 4:00 PM -- 5:00 PM with service to start at 5:00 PM. NO FLOWERS. ALOHA ATTIRE.
RUTH TAKAKO BEFU WAKAI May 4, 1928 to October 30, 2013 Ruth was born in Pahoa, Hawaii and grew up in Hilo. Shortly after moving to Honolulu, she entered the Cherry Blossom Pageant. That event transformed her from a country girl to a sophisticated city girl, but she retained her charming personality. In 1956, Ruth was hired as a Japanese Nisei flight attendant by Pan American Airways - America's flagship airlines. Her friendly and gracious personality made her perfect for handling orphans from Japan and Korea traveling to the U.S. on Pan Am. On numerous occasions, she cared for these frighten children by bringing them home. She fed them, bathed them, and let them rest until their connecting flight to the mainland. Ruth retired from Pan Am in 1985. She helped run the family travel agency, Globe Travel, and also volunteered with the Japanese Women Society. Ruth is survived by her husband, Calvin, daughter, Dawn Hussey Riggs, son, Glenn, sister, Margaret Schultz, brother, Dr. George Befu, 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. A big MAHALO to the St. Francis Heathcare System of Hawaii, especially the Staff of the Home Care and Hospice Home Care that showed so much love and support for Ruth. Memorial Service will be held on November 16th at Makiki Christian Church, 829 Pensacola St.. Visitation from 4:00 PM -- 5:00 PM with service to start at 5:00 PM. NO FLOWERS. ALOHA ATTIRE.Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
