Mariko Waples passed peacefully on September 21, 2021. Mariko Shimabuku was born on April 18, 1930 in Nakijin, Okinawa. She was one of eleven siblings that grew up on a farm, and survived living through attacks during World War II. Years after the war had ended, she met the love of her life, Eugene Waples and they married May 13, 1954. Gene brought Mariko to the United States later that year, and they lived a happy life together in Riverside, CA. They had three children- Diane, Rodger, and Richard. Mariko overcame many obstacles after immigrating to America, and one of her proudest moments was when she became a United States citizen in 1958. Her children and family were her pride and joy and were always her number one priority. Mariko worked for Caddock Electronics for 30 years and retired in 1996. After retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, and later her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and baking and became very fond of taking care of stray cats. Many of her family and friends remember her as always trying to feed them, or sneaking them a $20 bill. Mariko was always very social, and was a very generous, giving person. Her big heart and contagious smile touched the lives of so many and brought joy to everyone she met. Her life revolved around her family and also her dog Sukoshi-Shi. She will be forever cherished, loved, and missed by all that knew her. We are so lucky and grateful that she lived a long, happy life.

Mariko leaves behind the love of her life of nearly 70 years, Eugene Waples. She is also survived by her three children Diane Colonelli (Joseph), Rodger Waples (Paula), and Richard Waples, her four grandchildren who she cherished with all her heart - Aaron Colonelli (Melissa), Nicholas Colonelli (Tavish), Samantha Russell (Tim), and Randall Waples (Amanda). We are grateful she got to meet her three great grandchildren Abigail and Sophia Colonelli, and Nolan Waples. She also leaves behind Gene's family Gary (Judy) Waples in Colorado and niece Cindi (Dave) Fields in Idaho, as well her sister Masako Chinen and nephew Fukuji Shimabuku in Okinawa, and many more family members in the U.S., Okinawa, and Japan.

Services will be held October 7, 2021 at Riverside National Cemetery at 11:15. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dementia Society of America in remembrance of Mariko Waples