Ruby T. Nakamura

Ruby was born in Yamaguchi Japan on September 19, 1929, to Saisuke and Masa Kuwada. She had 4 siblings. Kazuko (d), Yukiko(d), Mako (d) and Nancy (d). When she was 3 months old, the Kuwada family moved to Yakima, WA. and became truck farmers.
During WWII the Kuwada family were interned in the Japanese Internment Camp located at Heart Mountain, Wyoming from 1942-1945.
When they were released from camp, they moved to Spokane, WA where Ruby finished high school at Lewis and Clark.  After graduation, Ruby entered the Griffin Secretarial School.
The Kuwada family later moved to Seattle, WA where she attended the Broadway Vocational Hair Dressing College.  After she graduated, she went to work for Mrs. Jones’ Beauty Salon in Broadmoor for 1.5 years and then worked for Nordstrom’s until she was married.
Ruby met Jimmie H. Nakamura through her good friend Lucile Nakamura. They were married in Seattle on November 2, 1952.
Jim and Ruby started Nakamura Sales, INC company (NASACO, INC), their agricultural company in 1967. They also raised 4 daughters.
They worked from their home for 1.5 years until one of their farmers offered to rent a portion of his warehouse to NASACO.  This generous farmer was Mike Carpinito, a long-time family friend to this day.
Jim and Ruby serviced the farmers in Western WA south of Seattle and Western Oregon north of Oregon City from 1967 to 1997.
Ruby was an active member at the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple.  She enjoyed having family dinners, bowling, playing slots at the casinos and shopping. She was also an avid Seahawks fan!

Ruby is survived by her 4 daughters, Nori Suguro (son Michael), Mitzi Verlinde (spouse Eric), Janice Keltner (spouse Marc), Jani and Marc’s children Mariko, (son Wyatt) and Keanu, (spouse Megan) and Lisa Marie Nakamura (spouse Tom Kempf).

We want to thank both the Chateau at Valley Center staff for welcoming our mother into their community, making her feel at home and Kline Galland for their dedicated service in caring for our mother, Ruby.
We will miss Mom dearly but feel comfort knowing she will be with our Dad!

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to:

Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Church
1427 S Main St. Seattle, 98144
https://seattlebetsuin.wufoo.com/forms/q13tn5js1qdpjg8/

Caroline Kline Galland Home

7500 Seward Park Ave.
So. Seattle, WA 98118

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home Lake View -