Yoneko Minami

Yoneko Kitahara Minami was born to immigrant farmers Ichizo and Kiyo Kitahara in Reedley, California on January 22, 1917. She was the second of five children. She died comfortably and peacefully on September 29, 2016 at Sierra View Homes in Reedley. She was 99 years old, four months before her 100th birthday. She had a full and significant life.

She attended Reedley schools and after graduating Reedley High School, she matriculated at Armstrong Business College in Berkeley. She was the first in her family to attend college. After earning a B.S. degree in International Trade, she accepted a position at the Japanese Consulate in San Francisco where she arranged ceremonies and events for visiting dignitaries. She met her future husband, William Minami, during this period.

During their courtship, Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941. Because of uncertain times intensified with Executive Order 9066 signed by President Roosevelt in February 1942, they married a month later, March 6, to ensure remaining together should incarceration to relocation camps occur. Sure enough, the family was shipped to Poston, Arizona, Camp III, in 1942. In camp, Yoneko assumed the position of administrative assistant to the Director. A little over a year later, Yone and Bill transferred to Chicago where Bill found work as an office manager. After the War and eager to return to California, Yoneko and William moved to the Reedley area where William worked in the office of a produce packing facility. Shortly afterwards they purchased the house and farm that was sold under duress by her parents just prior to the move to the relocation camp. She was now living in the home where she was born and spent her childhood.

During her time at the ”home place” on Manning and Buttonwillow she and Bill improved the farm and started a packing house business. She trained and supervised the packers, maintained the household and raised the family as well. With her help, the farming and packing business grew to a prominent position in the industry. During this period, she was active in the community and industry. Among other organizations, she was involved with California Women for Agriculture and volunteering at Sierra Kings Hospital. She was a den mother during her sons’ Cub Scout years.

She also travelled widely, as a tourist and to promote agriculture. She visited Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Spain, Holland, Canada, Mexico and much of the United States.

She had two activities where she spent much time and energy: Gardening and Golf. She established and maintained a large and immaculate front, back, and side yard. She was very meticulous and particular. She hired and fired gardeners on a regular basis. Her outdoor garden was a showstopper; inside she had quite a collection of African violets. She spent many days at Kings River Golf and Country Club, driving alone to the course well into her 80’s. Her best days included first breaking 100, getting an ace on number 12, and winning a sleeve of balls during weekly tournaments. She and her fellow golfers visited many, many, many golf courses in the state.

Shortly after her 95th birthday in 2012, she moved to Marden’s Place in Sierra View Homes, where she lived actively and peacefully.

Yoneko Minami was predeceased by her husband, William Y. Minami, her parents, Ichizo and Kiyo Kitahara; her sister Miyo Mizuno, brothers George Kitahara, Kei Kitahara, Toru Kitahara; and grandson Philip Minami. She is survived by sons Dwight Minami and Steve (Jan) Minami; grandsons Jason (Wendi) Minami, Darren Minami, Christopher Minami; great grandchildren Owen Minami, Willa Minami, Neko Minami, Will Minami, Margot Minami. She leaves numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and dear friends.