Reiko Arima Okabe

Reiko Arima Okabe was born on February 16, 1933 in Haeju, Korea (now North Korea). Her father Morizo, sent her records to Kagoshima, Japan to his father’s house, and thus her birth record was registered in Japan. From then on her records stated that she was born in Japan.
She was the oldest of five siblings: 3 younger sisters and 1 younger brother, all born in Haeju. She lived in Haeju until her father’s death when she was 8 years old then moved to Japan. She witnessed the Hiroshima bombing from a rice paddy ditch on that summer’s day.
After the war, she moved to Okinawa and there she would meet the man she would marry: George Okabe. They would marry on 9 October, 1956. She would then be the mother of 2 daughters, grandmother to 7 grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 4 great-grandchildren.
She was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day –Saints in June 1957 and would be a devout member for the rest of her days. To everyone that she met, she would always offer a smile and a hug. She was a beloved member of her ward and by her friends and family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband George, and grandson Christopher Exton.
She was survived by her daughters Georgette Yukiko Kuroshige and Katherine Teruko Exton. Bruce Exton, her son in law. Granddaughters: Jan Custino, Stephanie Roberts, Tiffany Exton, and Melissa Exton. Grandsons: Charles Matsumoto Jr, and Jonathan Exton, with Granchildren in law: Jon Custino and Britni (Jackson) Exton, and great grandchildren: Sariah Roberts, Kaimana Ohia, Mei Exton and Kaizen Exton.
She died peacefully in her home on July 08, 2017 with her family by her side.
She lived a full life, and went back home triumphant.