Nancy Ryoko Hata

Nancy, a long time resident of Fresno, was born in Kumamoto City, Japan. As an infant the family moved to Santa Barbara, California where she grew up and graduated from Santa Barbara High School. During war II, she and her entire family along with thousands of Japanese Americans were interned at the relocation camp at Gila, Arizona. There she met her future husband Minoru (Min) Hata.

After the war she moved to Fresno where she and her husband raised a daughter and three sons. She was an active member of the women VFW Auxiliary where Nancy served as the president and in many other positions within the organization.

When her husband of 33 years passed away in 1978, she went to work for David Baloian as a office assistant. She later enrolled at Galen College to become a medical assistant. She appeared on a television commercial for the college showing how older women could go back to school and enter the work force. Because of her compassion and kindness, Nancy often helped to care for members in the community.

Nancy is predeceased by her husband Min, brothers, William Ikeda, Richard Ikeda, sisters, Irene Ikeda, Mabel Sugimoto and Lily Kumataka. She is survived by her loving children Sharon Sato (Hideo), Deane Hata (Shirley) Aric Hata and Ian Hata, grand-daughters, Kristina Araki (Jason), Kimberly Hata, Andrea Walters (Jason), Lisa Sato; great grandchildren, Riley Araki, Lily Walters and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 11:30 am, United Japanese Christian Church, 136 N. Villa Ave. in Clovis.