August 7, 1931 — January 23, 2024
Satoko “Betty” Kim passed away at the age of 92. She was residing at the Palm Village Retirement Community in Reedley, CA where she had been living for more than a year. Satoko was born to Toshio and Shizuko Yamashita on August 7, 1931 in Reedley, CA. She was the oldest of 4 children: Satoko, Ruichi, Keiko, and Julia “Tamiko”. Satoko attended Washington and Reedley High Schools in Reedley, CA. Her middle school years were completed at the relocation camps in Poston, AZ during WWII. Satoko worked as a secretary for about 2 years before marrying her childhood sweetheart, Harry Kim. Satoko never returned to her secretarial career but instead became a wonderful, dedicated stay-at-home wife and mother to 4 children: Monte, Kenneth, Jerry, and Victoria. Satoko had many passions in life: First being her children and grandchildren, her art and calligraphy, and her devoted “pugs” and menageries. Satoko is preceded in death by her beloved husband Harry, parents Toshio and Shizuko Yamashita, brother Ruichi Yamashita, and sister Julia “Tamiko” Yamashita. Satoko is survived by her sister Keiko Nishimoto; children Monte Kim, Kenneth Kim, Jerry Kim, and Vickie Kim; grandchildren Vance Kim, Amber Kim, Angela Kim, Shannon Kim, and Nikki Rodriguez; 8 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Satoko instilled in each of her children, grandchildren, and pretty much those who knew her, whom she loved genuinely, the moral insight of diligence and dedication. She believed these character traits were important and you should possess in life. If prompted, “Satoko, “What is your ‘fav’ motto to live by?” She may respond, “Why put off until tomorrow that which can be accomplished today.” “Not such a bad idea.” Satoko will be dearly missed. Funeral services will be held at Dopkins Funeral Chapel in Reedley, CA on February 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
