Ikuyo (Kazaoka) Hosaka “Cookie”, 85, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023, in Thornton, Colorado, after a battle with cancer.
She was born December 21, 1937 in Salinas, California, to Fusazo “Tom” Kazaoka and Shige Kazaoka. She was the beloved wife of Frank K. Hosaka, for 53 years until he passed away in early 2014. She met Frank at IBM in Denver, Colorado, while working as a secretary. They married in his hometown of Nebraska before moving to Hays, Kansas, in 1970. Ikuyo was a homemaker, and an avid volleyball and tennis player. She attended some college at Fort Hays State University, raised three children and also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends. Cookie was known for her caring and her generosity by her friends and her great love for her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ikuyo is survived by her sons, Art (Lizabeth) Hosaka of Chicago, IL and Kenneth (Chris) Hosaka of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Heidi Youtsey (Vincent Borowski Jr.); siblings, Masaru (Alice) Kazaoka, “twin sister” Sada (Charles) Hosaka, Kiku (Leo) Sasaki, and Hide Stevenson; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 12 nieces; and 7 nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Katsuhige (Nanette) Kazaoka and Mitsuo Kazaoka; and sister, Fusaye Kazaoka.
Memorial donations may be made in Ikuyo’s honor to Meals on Wheels by visiting www.mowp.org.