Tatsuko Marie Danforth, 80, of Oak Grove, MO died Thursday, August 15, 2013 at St. Joseph’s hospital. She was born September 8, 1932 in Miyazaki, Japan. She was preceded in death by her mother, Masako (Ogata) Yokoyama, father, Tatsuo Yokoyama, there sisters, Nobuko Yokoyama, Kyouko Yoshimatsu and Chieko Yokoyama. “Tat” was a survivor of and witness to the Hiroshima aftermath in Japan. She left her home country at a young age after being swept off her feet by a U.S. Navy man, whom she married and accompanied to the U.S. In America, she provided care for her three young children, while simultaneously learning English and American culture. She also obtained her professional cosmetologist license. She enjoyed her career as a beautician for many years, during which she worked at the Jones Store and out of her home-based salon.
She is survived by her husband George Francis Danforth of Oak Grove, MO; three children: Michael Danforth, Theresa Roberts, Michelle and (Alan) Toczek, four grandchildren: Chacy Lancaster, Christopher Howk, Joshua Howk, Evan Danforth; and 3 great-grandchildren; her sisters: Keiko Yokoyama, Hiroko (Seizo) Tadokoro and many nieces and nephews including Hiromi Trimble who came to live with her for some time while she attended school in America. Tat was gracious and a loving, committed and loyal wife and mother. Along with her husband she created a significant impact to the AKC Shetland Sheepdog breed through their 45 year breeding program. We can smile thinking about the greeting she will have at Heaven’s door including all the Shelties who have gone before her. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Oak Grove, MO with Monsignor Robert Gregory Officiating.
Arr: Royer Funeral Home 101 SE 15th Street, Oak Grove, MO 64075 (816) 690-4441