Yone Nobe passed away at the age of 105 years old at Keiro Nursing Home. Her husband of over 60 years, Seiichi Nobe, predeceased her in 1990. Born Yone Lucille Arai, her parents were Hana and Kumata Arai. Deceased brothers and sisters were James Arai, Toyo (Clarence) Arima, William (Helen) Arai, May (Sonau) Ishida, Virginia (George) Matsui. Her sole surviving brother is Theodore (Sue) Arai. She is survived by seven nieces and nephews and eleven grand nieces and nephews.
Yone's mother, Hana Akabane, was a Nisei born in the United States in 1884. Grandfather, Chuemon Akabane, was one of the earliest Japanese arriving in the U.S.in 1869. Her uncle Kinta Arai was the head of the Japanese legation in Mexico in the early 1900s.
Yone and Seiichi Nobe owned a successful foreign trade company in Los Angeles for over forty years. Yone and Seiichi were active in the Japanese American community and supported a number of worthy causes. Yone Nobe enjoyed a long and healthy life. Even into her 100s, she possessed an excellent memory. She enjoyed socializing and having fun with her family and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 9, at 1:00 pm at Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles. Burial services to follow at Evergreen.