Kazuko Gibo Pace

Kazuko “Kiyoko” Gibo Pace died peacefully at Stillwater Medical Center on February 11, 2021.
Kiyoko was born October 27, 1935 in Tomigusuku Okinawa, Japan. She was the daughter of Kame and Kamato Gibo and was the sixth of eight children.

When she was a child, the war came to her home island of Okinawa. The Battle of Okinawa, 1945, was a major battle of the Pacific War. During the war, she lost her parents, three siblings and all the family belongings.
She had every reason to be angry and bitter, but she was not. Far from it, she was the kindest, most caring, gentle, and sweet person you could ever meet. She always had a smile to share, and a gentle head bow to greet you. She was incredibly understanding and forgiving. She did not blame anyone for the war or the losses she and her family suffered. In fact, she married a U.S. Marine, Jerry D. Pace, in 1962. Together they raised two daughters.
Kiyoko enjoyed OSU sports, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and cooking for family and friends. She loved her husband and her daughters, but the pride and joy of her life were her three grandsons. She was heavily involved in their upbringing and would never miss an event they participated in. She was immensely proud of all three of them.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry, and daughters Mary Melton and Mona Akin and son-in-law, Joe Akin and grandsons Hunter Akin, Connor Akin and Karsten Melton, sister Yaeko, brother-in-law, Masahide Kinjo of Okinawa, and brother-in-law, Ronnie Pace, sisters-in-law June Pace, Marolyn Pace, Doreen Pace and Carol Heddlesten and brother-in-law, Vern Heddlesten, and numerous nieces and nephews.
At this time, due to Covid precautions there will not be a service.
Memorial contributions can be made in her name to Karman Legacy Hospice c/o Dighton Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington St., Stillwater, Oklahoma 74075.
Condolences may be sent to the family and an online obituary may be viewed at www.dightonmarler.com