Ikuko Ando Yates, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed peacefully into eternal rest at the age of 87 on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at her home in Sulphur Springs, Texas, surrounded by her children.
Ikuko was born in Nagoya Japan in 1938, and was the 4th of 5 brothers and sisters. Her parents were Shigasaburo and Masako Ando. She attended a private Catholic high school before continuing her education at Nagoya University, where she studied home economics. In 1959, with courage and curiosity, she moved to the United States to study English at Magic Valley Christian College near Twin Falls, Idaho. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jack R. Yates. The two were married for 59 years, building a life rooted in faith, devotion, and family until Jack’s passing in 2020.
Together, Ikuko and Jack lived in California before settling in Oregon, where they raised their four children in Phoenix, Ashland, and Springfield, and later made their home in Bend. In her later years, Ikuko moved to San Marcos, Texas to be near her daughter Robin, and eventually to Sulphur Springs to live with her son Jay, where she was lovingly cared for until her passing.
Ikuko was a devoted mother to her four children: Robin (Yates) Dean, Chanel (Yates) Stevens, Toni (Yates) Haskins, and Jay A. Yates. She was a proud and loving grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Mathew Haskins, Daniel Haskins, Emily (Haskins) Slyman, Paige (Yates) Lachina, Tristan Yates, Cameron Yates, Chase Dean, Samuel Dean, Elliott Dean, Logan Stevens, and Sydney Stevens. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren-Avery Haskins, Ezra Haskins, Elliana Dean, Aurelye Dean, and Rhodes Lachina-with another great-grandson, Dean, expected in May.
Ikuko’s life was defined by her unwavering faith in Jesus and her deep love for her family. She found joy in reading her Bible and spent countless hours in prayer for those she cherished. A gifted seamstress, she lovingly made much of her children’s clothing and created countless knitted and crocheted treasures-hats, scarves, and sweaters-that will continue to warm generations. One especially cherished memory is the year she handcrafted matching ski suits for the entire family as they embarked on a snow skiing adventure together.
Her kitchen was a place of warmth, creativity, and welcome. Ikuko was an exceptional cook who delighted in blending Japanese and American cuisines, often opening her home to her children’s friends, ensuring no one left hungry. She found joy in simple moments-playing cards with family (and often winning), sharing laughter, and speaking in her endearing mix of Japanese and English, with phrases like “Ah-co-lock” (instead of o’clock,) and “or-some” (instead of or something,) bringing smiles to all who knew her.
Ikuko will be remembered as a sweet and petite woman with a generous heart, a quiet strength, and a deep, abiding love for her family and her faith. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the love she gave so freely.
Funeral services will be held graveside on April 11th at 10am at Pilot Butte Cemetery, Block W, lot 27. A reception following will be held at the home of Scott and Chanel Stevens in Bend, OR.
She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home was honored to serve the family.
This obituary was published by Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home and Crematory.
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