Ruth Oka

Ruth Oka
Dedicated Servant and Beloved Mother

Ruth Iwamoto Oka, daughter of Shinji and Take Iwamoto, passed away after a courageous battle against Alzheimer's Disease.

Ruth was born in Ogden, Utah on December 21, 1926.  She attended The University of Utah, where she graduated with a degree in nursing.  She was employed at Dee Hospital, and undertook a career in the operating room.

Outside of her job, service to others was Ruth's life.  She enjoyed volunteering as a nurse in the Ogden Community, and donated her time in numerous capacities at the Ogden Japanese Christian Church.  It was as a parishioner that she met her husband, Kayji Oka.  The two were married on August 11, 1950.

Ruth led an active life.  She enjoyed spending time with her friends at Golf City, tending to her beautiful flower garden, and loved expressing herself through arts and homemaking.  She also enjoyed cooking for family gatherings, traveling anywhere and everywhere, and caring for the church she loved so much.  She was truly the head of her family, and will be missed by many.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Joyce (Amir) Noshiravan, brother Nobe (Yas) Iwamoto, brother-in-law Harry Seko, grandchildren Ami (Kevin) Noshiravan and Adam (Lisa) Noshiravan, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kayji Oka, brother Heed (Kimi) Iwamoto, and sisters Clara Seko and Kazuko Iwamoto.  Ruth will especially be missed by her special friend, Daisy.

Her family would like to thank Neighborhood House for providing her with ongoing friendship during her time spent in Salt Lake City.

Per Ruth's request, a private ceremony was held earlier this week, officiated by Reverend Robert Nakaoka.  Services were entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers and koden, the family requests donations be sent to the charity of your choice.