Kiyoko O. Crocker, 90, of Ithaca, passed away on March 8, 2020 surrounded by love with family. Kiyoko was born April 6, 1929 to Shigeru and Ito (Kamisaka) Ota of Otsu, Japan. She met her husband Verle while he served in the Army during the Korean War and they were married in Japan on May 15, 1953. In 1954 Kiyoko and Verle began their life in the United States on the Crocker family farm in Ithaca, MI.
In 1986 Kiyoko retired from Wolverine World Wide after 25 years of service. Kiyoko loved gardening and many times grew her vegetables from seed. She had an amazing strawberry patch and enjoyed creating beautiful flower beds. Kiyoko was also a very talented seamstress. She would create personalized patterns tailored for a perfect fit and could mend anything. Kiyoko especially loved spending time with her family and enjoyed cooking for big family meals and celebrations.
Kiyoko is survived by her children Verona (Alden) Howay; Glenda (Ken) Showers; Kelvin (Karen) Crocker; Emily Crocker; grandchildren Jenny (Dan), Jason, Amy (Justin), Marc, Doug, and Xavier (April) and four great-grandchildren, Austin, Josalyn, Raelynn, Skylnn, and a fifth Isla due in May; sister Fusako Yamada and numerous nieces and nephews. Kiyoko was preceded in death by her Parents, 5 Sisters and 1 Brother, her beloved husband of 60 years Verle, and Grandson Tommy.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Interment will follow in Hamilton Township Cemetery. The family will greet friends and celebrate Kiyoko’s beautiful life from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Barden Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Edgewood Church of God, North Star AFC, or The Care Team Hospice.
Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.