Helene Puanani Kaaihue Johnson

Survived By: Mom was born August 8th, 1938 to Joseph and Ethel Kaaihue, in Hoolehua on the island of Molokai, Hawaii were she lived her younger years. She moved to Clarkston Washington after marrying Ivar William Johnson Jr. on November 1st, 1958. She left behind her parents, a sister, Kauilani Mollena who preceded her in death. A brother, William Kaaihue, fondly known as “Uncle Billy” who is with us today. A daughter Cheryl Noelani Kaaihue who still resides in Molokai, Hawaii. She along with her husband Norman have three delightful children…Norman Jr (name sake for his father), Ferron Naehu (name sake for our maternal grandpa), and Nyree. Ivar and Helene (as many people knew her by) Began a family here on the main land, first was Terri Kalai Tannahill (whom we consistently remind is the oldest. She is also the name sake for our maternal grandma). She resides in Pasco Washington along with her husband Hale. They have three beautiful children…Helene (name sake for our mother), Jeffrey and Ryan. Second is Lynn Kapualani Johnson who resides in Cashmere Washington along with Joe. She has a strapping young son…Corey Naehu (who is the name sake for our maternal grandpa). Next in line is myself, Ivar William Johnson III, (the name sake for my fraternal Grandfather and father) I currently reside in Banning California along with my bride Lucinda and have three wonderful children…Sadey , Dresdyn and Ivar IV (perhaps some day there will be a V? Only time will tell). Next in line is our sister Carmen Maile Johnson who currently resides in Clarkston, Washington along with Rick. She has four amazing children A.J., Taylor, Terren, and Tyree. Last but not least, our baby sister Kim Puanani Rueben (name sake for our mother) she resides in Lapwai, Idaho along with her husband Darrell. They have ten loving children…Shane, Ramona, Leah, Coty, Sasha, Ronni Puanani (Name sake for our mother), Kody, Alec (who proceeded her in death), Kalela, and Darrell “Sonny boy” Jr. (name sake for his father). Mom has 5 Great Grandchildren. One from her grandson Norman and his name is Ili and resides in Molokai, Hawaii. Her grandson Ferron has one son Joseph (name sake for our maternal grandpa) and a daughter Jessica. He currently serves in the armed forces and resides in Thailand. Her granddaughter Nyree has three children Fera, T.J. and Cecelia of which all reside in Molokai, Hawaii. I hope everyone was paying attention because there is going to be a test given after the service.

Mother went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday June 1, 2009 - 9:15 P.M. at Tri State Memorial Hospital in Clarkston, Washington where she took her last breathe with her family gathered at her bedside.

Second Song: If We Never Meet Again (Recorded) a special song chosen by our father.

Beginning of Eulogy: In preparing to give this eulogy, I asked myself…If I had only one word that best described our mother, what would it be. How do you begin to describe an individual who was as vivacious and caring as she was? She was a devoted and loving daughter, grand daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, our first playmate, my first love, teacher, best friend, disciplinarian, nurse, cook, housekeeper, friend, leader, motivator, chauffer, coach, dance instructor, scientist, English professor, mathematician, librarian, travel agent, classroom mother, Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Party Planner…and the list goes on. But still not the one word that could best describe her. And than it came to me…the one word that best defines the essence and spirit of our mother …”LOVE”. Yes, if I had but one word, without a doubt it would be “Love!”

I would like to refer to the Bible as it describes the meaning of Love.

First Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 8. I will be reading from the New International Version Bible.

The bible describes love as it should be in the church and our everyday lives. Besides God’s love…there is no Love greater than that of a mother. It is a precious gift in its truest form. It is a gift that should be valued more than silver and gold, more vital than any known cure on earth. Nothing can exist without Love. Love can be as strong as Titanium but at the same time, as fragile as the wings of a newly formed butterfly. It can be used to build up and used to tear down. It is not to be taken lightly, but rather to be cherished and respected. Love is what my mother extended to so many people and it’s that love that will live on in us all. Keep love in your heart wherever you go and you will be carrying on her legacy and that’s the way she would want it.

Mom always had a great fondness for babies. Her love for babies was ever present when she spotted one in close proximity. You could hear the words…”I want to hold that baby”. Once she held a baby she would love on them, nibble on there ears and toes with great delight. The joy and contentment she felt while holding any child was very evident. After having my first born (Sadey), the world changed as I knew it. I soon discovered that I was no longer her baby. Whenever I entered the house or her, mine…the greeting was…“Where is the baby?” She would push me aside with arms stretched out ready to receive the child. All we kids experienced the same welcome for years to come. Never feeling jealous to see the love she had for each and every grandchild. She truly lived for her children and her grand children. She and dad were constantly running from one happening or another. Weather it was a sporting event, concert, play performance, awards banquet, whatever the occasion, each child would look to the stands and chairs awaiting there arrival. Once the event was over, the children would run to them and their first question would be…”Did you see me?” and it was followed by…”Of course we did and we are so proud of you!” As you can imagine, my parents put a lot of miles on their vehicles to keep up with this clan. No event was complete without their presence.

One of mom’s first jobs outside of the home was being a teacher’s aid with Grantham Elementary School in Clarkston. One of her duties was to see over the playground during lunch recess. She would start with the early grades of kindergarden through 3rd and work to the next grades of 4th and 5th. Myself like my sisters could not get away with anything. I always believed she had eyes in the back of her head. During our senior class graduation night parties, mom and dad would participate and chaperone the festivities. Many of our classmates would run up to mom and ask her…”Do you remember pulling my ears? Or “Do you remember making me stand against the wall when I got out of hand?” She would often answer with…”Yes I do and you’re still not too old for me to do it again!” In turn they would laugh and give her a big hug.

It was not uncommon that our mother would discipline our friends and acquaintances, because when they came to our house, they were subject to the same rules as we were. Our home was the gathering place for many of our friends over the years and mom and dad always made way for them all. Mom was referred to by many as “Mom”. We had many extended family members and our mother had a heart for all of them. Again, it was the love that she had for anyone she came in contact with that always shown through.

I did mention earlier that my mother was a “disciplinarian”…which brings me to one of our sacred memories of mom, “The golden slipper!” You never wanted to look back and see mom headed your way with her golden slipper in her hand. When this happened, you knew that it was not good and you were in for it! I would put our mother up against Jesse James to challenge him to a title of the…“Fast’s draw in the West!” And my money would be on mom hands down!

Mom and dad were very active in the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #751 in Clarkston. I guess you could say that we practically grew up there. Our father first went through the chairs of office and served as Governor in 1973 -1974 and mom was by his side the whole time. They say that behind every good man is a great woman and mom was no exception. We can still remember the floats they would build for the parades here around town. Than came moms turn, she went through the chairs of office for the women of the moose and eventually serve as Senior Regent for the 1980-1981 term and dad was there beside her the entire time. She later went on to achieve her Friendship Degree, being one of the highest destinations for the Women of the Moose. She met many of her life long friends through her experience with the Moose Lodge and cherished those friendships dearly. Mom, after some years began to work for the lodge as a receptionist. Part of her duties was to greet and welcome members and their guests. She loved this job and the people whom she met. I guess you really could not call it a job for the great fun she had? There were the times when she would have an individual of questionable character wonder in off the street. There were a few announcements made over the intercom for assistance, but most generally she could and would handle any situation that arose. She always had a wonderful way of dealing with even the most difficult of people. Thank you to all of you at the Moose, not only for the love and friendship that she received from you, but also us as a family. We have many wonderful memories that will remain within our hearts.

I would be remise if I did not mention those famous “RED” lips! Mom was well known for her red lips. I know she kept the AVON Lady busy with her endless supply of lip stick. I think we went through half our lives with lip stick on our cheeks. If not us it was the babies.

Back in November of last year, mom and dad celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. It was an occasion that we were not sure would happen due to her failing health. But thanks be to God, we were able to celebrate this momentous day! When we look back at their wedding pictures, we smile to see the young couple so happy and optimistic for their future. As the pictures rolled from one to another it seemed as though time had gone by in a blink of an eye. We will forever hold on to the treasured memory of their final dance together. Mom, with all her might stood from her wheel chair, placing her hands in dads and laying her head on his shoulder. They danced to that night and there was not a dry eye in the room.

Sitting with our father and hearing how they met brought much joy and tears. To see the smile on his face as he spoke of the first time he saw her is something I will always remember. Him and a buddy were out site seeing on the east end of the island and were a bit lost. A stranger happen to be walking down the rode so they stopped to ask for directions. Do to the way the stranger was dressed the assumption was made that the individual was a male. It was not until later in time that mom informed dad that it was indeed her. They would cross paths from time to time with some of their friends and family bringing them together on occasion. I know that mom would speak of dad and his many girlfriends that he would bring onto the Restaurant and lounge that Tu Tu Man and Tu Tu Lady had. (Tu Tu is an endearment used by Hawaiians in honor of their grandparents). She was not exactly smitten with him at first. In fact, her words were…”I could not stand him!” But as history has it, there was a turning of hearts. He recalls that while she was performing for Aloha Week, in his words…”That was when I really noticed her!” He went on to say…”She was the best Hula Dancer on the island!” I could not help but notice a certain sparkle in his eyes when he said this. We will always remember our mother dance to “Lovely Hula Hands”. Her hands were always graceful as she performed the motions of the hula and we were once again able to see those graceful hands as her and dad made their grand entrance for their 50th wedding anniversary. One of mom and dads favorite things to do was dance together. They were a regular Ginger Rogers and Fredastair. They would go out on date nights to different hangouts around town (does the Blackhawk ring a bell with anyone?) They were proficient in many different styles of ballroom dancing and as my dad put it…”When we danced, it was only the two of us!” Dad talked about the great heart mom had for people. She was defiantly a people person if there ever was one. Even still you will find several different magnets on their refrigerator with sayings such as…”If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours”, or “Life has no blessing like that of a dear friend” another reads “True Friendship is a Gift from God”. Again, evidence of the great love our mother had. There were some challenges in their marriage like any other but they always worked things out. The love they had for each other is immeasurable. Our father was so dedicated to our mothers care for the last few years and he was relentless in meeting her every need. Weather it was challenging a doctor about the treatment they were providing, to checking her blood pressure or even checking the levels on her oxygen day and night. Dad, words are difficult to describe just how proud and grateful we are to you for all you did for your loving bride and our dearest mother. We love you dad!

Second Bible Reading: The Beatitudes – Matthew 5: 1 - 16

Third Song: Amazing Grace – Performed by Uncle Billy.

At this time we would like to call upon any of you to come and share any special moments and/or memories you may have had with our mother. We open the floor to invite you now…

Third Bible Reading: The Shepard’s Prayer – Psalm 23: 1 – 6.

Fourth Song: Aloha O’e - Recorded

Thank yous:
• Kristi O’Campo – Henry, thank you for the beautiful slide show! You are the greatest.
• Lee Jay Henry and family, Mary Taylor and family Mike and Cindy O’Campo. Melissa Peko and family. Aunt Rosemary, Uncle Gordon and Rhonda. Thank you for being there every step of the way. Your strength and encouragement is truly appreciated.
• Shell McCormick, Pat and Shelly Santos and family.
• Barb Anderson, Sandy Blankenship and the Women of the Moose. Thank you for your time and care.
• Malcom’s Brower – Wann Funeral Home. You have been so wonderful and accommodating. Thank you for making this process as easy as possible.
• Tri-State Memorial Hospital, Intensive Care Unit Staff. Thank you for your loving care with our mother. You went above and beyond with keeping her dignity in tack. Your comforting words and time is truly appreciated.
• Women Eagle’s Auxiliary – Bless you in your works.
• Uncle Billy, Thank you for your hugs, laughter, and most of all…your love. We could not have done it without you. We love you so much!
• A huge “Thank You” to all our friends and family gathered here today. For all who loved her. There are far too many to mention and I apologize if we missed you. Thank you for taking time out of your day to help celebrate the life of our mother. You have blessed us much. Much Aloha to you all!!!

Luncheon Reception: There will be a luncheon Reception immediately following the services. It will be at the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #751. Located at 814 6th Street in Clarkston. The family would appreciate your company and laughter.

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world”