Asako M. (Masukawa) Ebata

The Master Gardener Club in the sky has accepted a new member. Asako M. Ebata of Koloa passed away peacefully at the age of 104 on January 31, 2026.

She was predeceased by her husband, Burt Ebata. She is survived by her children Peggy (Ron Kodama) Ebata, Alison Ebata and Albert (Nellene) Ebata; grandchildren Sonja Ebata, Cheyne (Rejeana) Ebata and Keli (Matthew) Patterson; great grandchildren Mia, Malia & Nainoa Ebata and Brooks &Hayes Patterson.

Asako graduated from the University of Hawaii and was a teacher at Koloa Elementary School. When the school bell rang, she headed for the farm where the fertile soil was her canvas and
seeds and sprouts her paint brushes. And so it was; bare soil was patiently coaxed to bear, among other produce, sweet husk of corn for obon festivals, green beans, plump tomatoes, citrus, crunchy chop suey yams, orchids. Stern teacher, strict mom, a samurai in farmer’s garb. “Gardening is my meditation,” she said; it was in fact a survival skill learned from older brother, Shigeo. It took a village in her later years to administer different facets of her care and the family wishes to recognize and express their deepest gratitude for the extraordinarily compassionate, professional, loving, generous care she received on the part of her professional caregivers, Marizel Pablo and Lovey Yadao; and Shirley Negrillo and her family and staff who were mom’s main caregivers for the last five years. Sincerest gratitude also goes out to Dr. Warren Sparks who has been an earth angel, brilliant and compassionate; Juliana Grigorova, nurse extraordinaire/teacher/friend. Special thanks also to Bishop Kosen Ishikawa & Koloa Jodo Mission, Reverend Kohtoku Hirao & Waimea Shingon Mission, Dr. Eugene Lao, Dr. Leslie Omoto, Wilcox Hospital, Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, Kauai Hospice, Koloa Fire Department, Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, Gammie Home Care.

We’ll be forever grateful for the endless toiling, mom. Your work is done; time for you and pa to rest. You’re both missed beyond measure. A hui hou kakou. May you rest in the stillness of true understanding. May loving kindness hold you like a warm shelter. May each breath bring you home to peace. May the light of compassion guide your next journey. (Inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh)

A private service was held. The family kindly requests no okoden.

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