Yoshiko Nitz passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at the age of 85, in Maple Valley, WA leaving behind a profound legacy of love, resilience, and family devotion. Born on the beautiful shores of Iheya Island, Okinawa, Japan, on August 6, 1941, the eldest daughter of Sensuke Nakajun and Shizuko Nakajun (Nakachi), her remarkable life journey eventually led her to plant deep roots across the ocean.

In Japan, she met an American soldier, the love of her life. The two were wed on March 3, 1964, beginning a shared adventure that spanned over five decades. On August 23, 1965, she immigrated to the United States to build a new future. Demonstrating her deep commitment to her new home, she officially became a naturalized U.S. citizen on February 12, 1969.

She embraced her life in America with grace and strength, dedicating her heart to raising her three children and actively helping to raise two of her grandchildren. She was the cornerstone of her family, blending her rich Okinawan heritage with American traditions, and teaching those around her the true meaning of endurance, kindness, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Paul Nitz, on February 6, 2020, in addition to two brothers and one sister. Her memory and spirit live on through her three children, Jean Nitz, Michelle Nitz and her husband Christopher Ollom, and Christopher Nitz; and her four cherished grandchildren, Antonio, Cassidy, Alexander and Avalene, all of whom carry forward her strength and warmth. She also leaves behind, one brother, one sister and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in Okinawa and Japan.