Kikuyo U Ikemiya

Kikuyo was born on October 17, 1931 to Chikayo and Sentaro Uyenishi in Wakayama, Japan. At the age of 25 she immigrated to the United States, settling in Los Angeles where she studied English and attended school to become a seamstress. Soon after, she met George Ikemiya and they were married in 1958. They moved to Reedley where she was a homemaker and later helped George in his dental laboratory.

Kikuyo was an active member of the Japanese community in Reedley and Central California. She was a member of the Reedley Buddhist Church and Buddhist Women’s Association. She was a teacher for the Saturday Japanese Language School along with being a Jr. YBA advisor, and a grandparent helper at both Medaka no Gakko (Japanese cultural school) and Hotoke no Kodomo (summer school program). George and Kiku served as hosts to many Japan exchange students attending Reedley College in the 1970’s cultivating lifelong friendships with many of them. Their involvement in the Reedley Sister City program was instrumental in establishing cultural exchange and travel with Toubu City.

Kikuyo had many hobbies including Shigin (traditional Japanese chanted poetry), Japanese singing (performance and competition) and making sushi and manju. Her love and skill for crafts included origami and making beautiful hand made greeting cards with iris folding and rubber stamps.

Kikuyo was preceded in death by her loving husband George. She is survived by her daughter Arleen and husband Gary Tahara, daughter Laura and husband Ty Tavlan and four grandchildren, Scott and Derek Tahara and Lauren and Camryn Tavlan. She also leaves behind her friend and sister-in-law, Toshiko Kawagoe and many beloved nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held on June 29th at 11:00 am at the Reedley Buddhist Church.