July 19, 2020

itsuko "Mitsy" Terukina Offenbacker, age 90, of Marion County, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2020, at home with her family by her side. She was born on August 4, 1929, in Giran, Formosa (present-day Taiwan), the daughter of Shigesane and Tsuru (Kadena) Terukina.

Mitsy found joy in many things such as her flowers, fruit trees, and fishing. Her lifelong love for fishing was fostered by her father who took her on many fishing trips when she was a young girl. After World War II her family returned to their native country of Okinawa. There she worked as a civilian telephone operator for the U.S. military and met Charles, a U.S. Army soldier who was a telephone lineman. They fell in love and married on October 1, 1952. Years later Charles retired from the army, and they brought their three sons and one daughter to Marion County, Arkansas in 1969. Mitsy worked alongside Charles to raise cattle, cultivate gardens, and to do various other farm work. Even though she was petite (only 4 feet 9 inches tall), she was tough and determined. Mitsy was a nurturing mom, a faithful wife, and was loved by all who came to know her. She will be deeply missed.

Mitsy was preceded in death by her parents; by Charles, her husband of 61 years; and by James Offenbacker, her youngest son.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Offenbacker, of Carrollton, Texas; by her two sons, Raymond ''Gene'' Offenbacker and his wife Lisa of Benton, Arkansas and Wayne Offenbacker of St. Joseph, Michigan; by her daughter-in-law, Pam Nichols Offenbacker of Harrison, Arkansas; and by her four grandchildren, Michael, Sarah, Hannah, and Aaron Offenbacker.

The family held a private graveside service at the Anderson Flat Cemetery, Marion County, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the American Cancer Society or to the Anderson Flat Cemetery Fund (in care of Brenda Morris, 3482 Hwy 235, St. Joe, AR. 72675) in memory of Mitsy Offenbacker.

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