Methuen, Ma. – Chizuru Ruth (Tomimatsu) Yanagi 86 years old and a longtime Methuen resident died peacefully surrounded by her family and under loving care at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, MA on Sunday, July 03, 2011.
Ruth was born in Sacramento, California the daughter of Tatsuji and Momoyo (Nakazono) Tomimatsu. Mrs. Yanagi was raised and educated in Stockton, California.
Ruth was beloved by the many family members and friends who experienced her love. An exceptionally caring and giving person, she gave selflessly of her time and attention and was always a compassionate listener. She was also an avid sports fan. Through the years, Ruth cheered passionately for her sons and grandchildren, as well as, for all the Boston sports teams. She seldom missed a game.
Ruth was also extraordinarily talented. She was an excellent cook, a gardener and created many beautiful floral arrangements. However, she was best known locally as the consummate dress designer and seamstress. She created many beautiful wedding gowns and prom dresses and her artistic talent was highly sought after throughout the region.
The widow of Masayoshi “Harry” Yanagi, she is survived by two sons Steven K. and wife Carolyn P. Yanagi of Bedford, NH, and Jeffrey S. and wife Maria A.Yanagi of Georgetown, MA, three grandchildren, Grace Maria Yanagi, Grant Jeffrey Yanagi and wife Megan, Tad Smith Yanagi and wife Melissa, and two great granddaughters, Reese Taylor Yanagi and Emerson Ruth Yanagi. Ruth also is survived by two special nieces who reside in Stockton , California, Nui Shimozaki and Meggie Kitagawa and her husband George and her sister-in-law Kay Ota . She was predeceased by her brother Tom Tomimatsu and her nephew Luther Shimozaki.
Ruth was a member of the Forest Street Congregational Church in Methuen and a prior member of Hope Congregational in Lawrence.
Calling hours will be Monday, July 11th from 4pm – 8pm, followed immediately with a funeral service at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc. 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. Entombment will take place in Stockton, California.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ruth to:
Merrimack Valley Hospice House
360 North Ave
Haverhill, MA 01830
Or
Masayoshi Yanagi College Scholarship Fund
40 Mitchell G. Drive
Tewksbury, MA 01876