Ethel Pointer Richards Kimura

Ethel Pointer Richards Kimura, born August 31, 1937, to James Carl Pointer and Nora Brooksby Pointer Hughes in Kanab, Kane County, Utah, passed in the early morning of May 16, 2023, with her devoted husband Reid by her side.

Ethel’s fondest memories of her childhood included time spent with her mother’s family in Arizona and Utah where she learned to sing, ride horses, and found a love for playing board games and doing jigsaw puzzles. She spent most of her young childhood with aunts and uncles, who were close like siblings. The simplest pleasures in life brought her great joy.

She graduated from Dixie High School in 1955, Dixie Junior College 1957, and went on to graduate from Brigham Young University in 1959, with a BS degree in Education. She taught for more than 40 years in public and private elementary schools and had a preschool in her home. Ethel shared her passion for learning with hundreds of children over the years.

Ethel married John Richards (divorced) in 1960 and had 2 daughters. In 1973, Ethel married Reid Haruyoshi Kimura and had 1 son and 2 daughters. Ethel was dedicated to her family. She encouraged creativity, independence and exemplified how to live a Christ-like life. She made hundreds of fond memories for her children of summer travel adventures, humming songs, singing harmonies, making holidays special, and encouraging each of their endeavors whether academics, athletics, culture, or career.

Ethel was devoted to Christ and lived a life of service as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints volunteering in all areas of the church. Her love of learning was continual and included all cultures, music, and literature. She had a fun sense of humor and was kindhearted to those she met. Written words came naturally to Ethel as, an avid writer, she filled journals with poetry and life stories and often sent cards and notes with her poems to friends and family. She loved to read and participated in the same book group for more than 20 years.

Ethel loved the United States of America and passed on her passion for patriotism and respect for the Country and the flag to her children and family.

The family would like to thank Nora Enriquez and the entire Hospice team, that spent endless hours caring for both Ethel and Reid

Ethel is survived by her devoted and loving husband; Reid, children; Natalie Woodbury, Tracy Manhan, Shawn (Jill) Kimura, Melanie (Christian) Pogue, and Alicia (Terence) Nelson, 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Nora Hughes and James Pointer, her beloved stepfather Charles Esmond Hughes, and her two sons-in-law Toti D. O. Manhan and Robb C. Turpin.

A funeral service for Ethel will be held Monday, June 5, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14271 Locust St, Westminster, CA 92683. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westminstermemorial.net for the Kimura family.