Haruko Gibo Frith, 82

Haruko was born on Aug. 3, 1929, in Okinawa, Japan, and peacefully passed away, “returning to her Heavenly Father,” on Nov. 12, 2011, at Grace Assisted Living's Memory Care Unit in Meridian, Idaho, following a nine-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

She was the daughter of Tokuzo and Ushi Gibo. Haruko had many fond memories of her family and friends while being raised on her family’s sugar cane and rice farm. In World War II, she survived a gunshot wound during the bombing in Okinawa. Following her school years and the rebuilding of Okinawa, she worked at the Naha Air Force Base, where she met her future husband.

In 1960, she married Michael W. Frith from Anaconda, who was serving in the United States Air Force. The next two years of their marriage was spent at various Air Force bases in the Western United States. Their final transfer was to the former Air Force base in Lakeside. Following their divorce, Haruko chose to remain in Kalispell to raise her two children, daughter Sheila, and son Chris.

Haruko’s life was always centered around her family. She was a devoted, hard working, single mother, and made countless sacrifices for the better of her children. She worked as a cook at the Palm Cafe, Hacienda Restaurant, and the Outlaw Inn ... sometimes holding down two full-time jobs to provide for her family.

Her pride and joy in her life were her 10 grandchildren. She spent her later years in life attending and supporting their many school activities and sporting events. She was their no. 1 fan!

She is survived by her two children, daughter, Sheila, and her husband, Rod Danz, of Bigfork; and her son, Chris, and his wife, Kristi, Frith of Meridian; her 10 grandchildren, Nathan, Nichole, Jordan and Jarrett Danz of Bigfork, Sidney, Riley, Cooper and Makenzie Frith of Meridian, and Hailey and Terrance Haverlandt of Great Falls; and her brother Seiko Gibo, and sister Mitsuko Kumeii, of Okinawa, Japan.

“We wish to thank mom's caregivers, nurses and staff at Grace Assisted Living's Memory Care Unit and Hearts for Hospice. You treated Mom with kindness and dignity during her last few years here on earth. We also thank Bowman Funeral Homes for your helpfulness and support during a difficult time. Our family is forever grateful for everyone's dedication, generosity and service.”

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Little Brown Church in Bigfork.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested for individuals to make a donation to your favorite local hospice.

During her life in the states, Haruko was blessed with the loving support of her in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. We will miss her love, laughter, and compassion for others.  And her grandchildren will miss, but always remember ... their "Obaasan."

Condolences may be left for the family at www.bowmanfuneral.com.