Obituary of Ruth Komuro Kehoe

Ruth K. Komuro Kehoe, 78, of West Branch, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2017 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family.

Ruth Kazue Komuro was born September 23, 1938 in Honolulu, Hawaii; daughter of Harry and Yuki (Hinata) Komuro. She earned her BA in Social Work from the University of Iowa. Ruth was perhaps best known in the area for the 25 plus years she worked as a faithful employee at Lorenz Boot Shop, where she served generations of loyal customers with care and affection.

In 1986 Ruth was united in marriage to Mike Kehoe in Iowa City.

Ruth had a love of gardening, growing stunning flowers in her beds year after year. She was also a talented musician playing the Ukulele, a way for her to honor and remember her Hawaiian heritage, something she was very proud of and had a deep love for.

Her family includes her husband, Mike; children, Philip Kirk (Diana Morris) of Iowa City, Lia Lovelace (Whit) of Iowa City and Brian Kirk of Milwaukee, WI; sister, Beth Miura (Calvin) of Hawaii and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Alex Lovelace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and an infant brother, Wesley.

A time to gather and celebrate Ruth's life will be held at a later time. Memorials in her name may be directed to Iowa City Hospice, Southern Poverty Law Center or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.gayandciha.com.

Ruth's family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff and volunteers of Iowa City Hospice for their loving and compassionate care over the past weeks.

Ruth lived her life with a caring heart, offering comfort and love to her family and friends.