Kazuko Thayer

Kikue Kazuko Yamashiro Thayer, 84, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 in Wichita Falls, Texas, lovingly held by her daughter and oldest grandson, Rika and Cameron Blake. Kazuko was born in Okuma, Nakagusuku-Son, Okinawa, Japan in 1937. Her mother died at a young age, so she was raised by her grandparents. Life was difficult in Okinawa during her childhood and she witnessed the horrors of World War II. The war raged so close that Kazuko was hit and almost killed by a stray bullet which left a distinctive scar. She graduated from Nakagusuko Jr High in 1953. Harsh conditions required Kazuko to work as a teen as a maid to help support her family which instilled a thrifty and frugal virtue in her young heart.

1969 was a year of great joy for Kazuko as she welcomed her only child, a daughter whom she adored her whole life, Rika Yamashiro, and she met the man who would be her husband, Albert Thayer, an Air Force TSgt. The new family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1971. They would be married for 37 years before he preceded her in death.

Kazuko began her career in Wichita Falls and worked hard at her various jobs until her retirement. The one job that Kazuko loved, though, was that of mother and grandmother. She never wanted to retire from those jobs. Kazuko was always involved in the life of her precious daughter, Rika. And, when her first grandson, Cameron, was born, she burst with pride and joy. Next came her first granddaughter, Emily, whom she adored. Finally, the youngest, Jackson, brought her into a full and complete role of “Obaachan” or “grandmother”.

Kazuko was truly part of the intergenerational family unit and was always beside her daughter and grandchildren. Whether it was watching the band, volleyball or swim, supporting scouts and celebrating achievements, shopping or eating, “Obaachan” was there. If you frequent the local casinos, you’ll miss a cheerful little woman toting the backpack with her oxygen tank. Her cute smile and contagious laugh will certainly be missed. Kazuko was authentic and spunky, stubborn and fun.

Kazuko was preceded in death by her husband; her mother, Ushi; her grandparents Jira and Ushi Yamashiro. She is survived by her only child, Rika Yamashiro Thayer Blake and her husband Phillip, and her grandchildren, Cameron Blake, Emily Blake, and Jackson Blake. She is also survived by sisters, Setsuko and Michiko; an aunt Chiyo, several nieces and nephews and close Okinawan and Japanese friends.

A visitation will be Monday, June 13th, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Hampton Vaughn Funeral Home and the funeral service will be Tuesday, June 14th, at 2:00p.m. in the Hampton Vaughn Chapel. For those desiring to make a memorial donation, please consider the Scouts BSA, Troop 43 (Blake Eagle Project), in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com for the Thayer family.