Haruko Heaton's Obituary
Haruko Heaton, Our beloved mother Haruko Heaton passed away on April 12, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on April 17, 1932 in Kohatsushin-Machi, Tenian-Jima, Nanyo Archipelago. Mom grew up in Tenian and Okinawa, Japan. She met her beloved husband, George T. Heaton III, when he was stationed in Okinawa. They were married on April 8, 1954, and together they raised their three sons, George, Rich, and Mike.
They were a military family and lived across the United States, France, and Okinawa until finally making their home in Lakewood, WA. Mom always had a smile on her face, and people loved being around her. She was devoted to her family and was a wonderful cook. She adored her five grandchildren, and loved to tell people she had 10 great-grandchildren.
She enjoyed spending time with her girlfriends and the Okinawa Kenjin Kai events, participating in dancing and singing. Haruko is survived by her sons George T. Heaton IV (Helen), Richard Heaton (Christie), and Michael Heaton (Angelika), and three brothers and two sisters in Japan and Okinawa. She was preceded in death by her parents Toyo and Kamado Kanashiro, husband George, and a younger brother. She leaves behind her loving grandchildren Kyle Heaton, Jeremy Heaton, Joni Westerdahl (Jacob), Juli Falsetta (Andrew), and JT Heaton (Gabby), and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also remembered by many dear friends, including Robert and Ute Confer, the Paylor, Keefe and Hinds families, Miyoko and James Howard and family, and Kazuko Housden.
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