Ritsuko Yamaoka Kowaki

June 22, 1925 – January 26, 2026

Ritsuko Yamaoka Kowaki, age 100, of San Juan Bautista, CA, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, in Union City, CA. She was born in Salinas, CA, to Yoneichi and Syako Yamaoka on June 22, 1925.

Ritsuko called San Juan Bautista home for most of her life, operating the Kowaki Farm with her husband, Glenn, until retirement. Ten years ago, she started her stay at Westmont Assisted Living Facility in Morgan Hill, where she enjoyed eight years. She then spent two years in Union City, where she was loved and cared for by her family.

The funeral service will be held at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home in Hollister, CA, on February 23, 2026, at 11:00 am, with interment to follow at San Juan Bautista Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Reverend Jay Shinseki of the Watsonville Buddhist Temple.

Ritsuko is survived by her son, Eugene Kowaki, and his wife, Karen, of Union City, CA; her grandchildren, Cameron Kowaki and his wife, Charlynn, Jordan Kowaki, Kristen Kowaki, and David Lee; her great-grandchildren, Noah and Ellie; and her brothers, Benny Yamaoka and Henry Yamaoka. She was predeceased by her husband, Glenn Kowaki, and her brother, Tony Yamaoka.

She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.