Martha Masako Yago

Martha Masako Kagohara Uyehara Yago was born on December 27, 1935. Her mother was Hiroko Uyehara and her biological father was Frank Kagohara. When she was 13 months old, her father, Frank, died. Hiroko would later marry Roy Uyehara, who adopted Martha and her older brother Ken.

Martha attended schools in the Brighton area. She graduated from Brighton High School in 1953. In 1961 Martha met the love of her life Thomas Jake Yago. They were married on March 2, 1963. In 1964, Julie was born and in 1968, Roger arrived. The family eventually settled in Littleton, CO. Martha was active in the Simpson United Methodist Church, participating in the women’s group and helping organize the annual church bazaars.

In 1989 Martha and Jake relocated to Mount Prospect, Illinois for Jake’s job and in1999 they moved to Henderson, NV, spending the next 20 years living an active retirement.

Martha enjoyed many hobbies. She loved to cook, line dance, bowl, and play cards. Martha’s number one passion, however, was playing the piano. She mastered memorizing many musical pieces.

Martha and Jake moved back to Denver in 2020. She struggled with dementia over the last few years and on October 7, suffered a severe stroke. Martha was unable to fully regain consciousness and passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on October 19, 2025. She will always be remembered for her friendly demeanor and being a loving wife, mother, Auntie, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to so many she met throughout her life.

Martha is survived by her husband of 62 years, Thomas Jake Yago, her children, Julie Yago Onsager (Paul), Roger Yago (Heather), grandchildren Evan Onsager (Lauren), Emily Hanson (Anders), Josh Yago, great-grandchildren Xander Onsager and Zach Hanson, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by parents, Frank Kagohara, Hiroko Uyehara, and Roy Uyehara, brother Ken Uyehara, and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The family would also like to extend gratitude to the staff and nurses at Woodlake Legacy Memory Care, Allison Care Center, and InnovAge Comfort Care.

Martha Yago will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.