Personal History for Ruth Kotow

Ruth Hisae Kotow was born on October 5th, 1934 in Tempe, Arizona. She was the youngest born to Gisuke and Shio Nakagawa. She had two sisters, Kay and Reiko, along with her two brothers, Jimmy and Frank.

Ruth was just a child when the family relocated from Arizona to Los Angeles in 1940. In 1941, her family decided to visit with her grandparents in Yokohama, Japan. Upon returning to the states, the war had started so the boat had to return just a day after they left the port from Japan. Ruth and her family ultimately ended up coming back to the states in 1949.

Ruth married her husband Tom in 1955 and they had two children. They had their first-born son, Perry in 1956 and their youngest daughter, Wendy in 1962.

Ruth was a very sociable and artistic person. In her younger years, she enjoyed participating in Kabuki plays and danced on stage often. She also enjoyed painting and singing and loved listening to any kind of music, ranging from Japanese Enka to Classical. There was always music playing in the house.

Ruth was also very active for many years at the WLA Buddhist Temple and had a very strong faith in the teachings of Buddhism. She was a member of the Asoka Fujinkai Club and was President for several years. She greatly enjoyed being with her church community.

Ruth had three grandchildren, Tyler, Kyle, and Jarid. She was affectionately known as “Nana”. She was so proud of her grandchildren. She loved spending time with them just as much as they loved spending time with her. She had no problem spoiling them but also taught them to be polite, respectful and caring toward others.

Ruth was very strong-willed by nature. She was loving, thoughtful and always giving to others - even when she didn’t have much. She loved to laugh and have fun and always had a great sense of humor. She was happiest with her family and friends around.

She is resting in peace now and will be greatly missed by her entire family and friends.