Ernestine May Ke'ala Akiona's Obituary
Ernestine May Keʻala Akiona of Wailuku, Maui passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025. She was born on June 27, 1934, in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi to Ernest Yee Hoy Sr. & May Donoldson, as the eldest of 4 children. Most of her childhood was spent in the quiet green hills of Palolo Valley on Oʻahu, and she was a graduate of Kaimukī High School. A diligent worker from a young age, she ultimately retired from a tenured career with United Airlines of nearly 25 years. In her free time, Ernestine enjoyed traveling, music, working outdoors in her yard, and above all, engaging in volunteer ministry work as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 50 years. Her friendly nature, warm smile and genuine care for others left a mark on the hearts of many who will continue to remember her fondly in this way. She is survived by her hanai sister, Berta Martinez, daughters Laura Borges & Lisa Carson, sons Dean, Dwayne, Donald Jr., and hanai son Brady. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren, all of whom brought her the greatest joy. In addition, she is survived by her aunty Audrey Keolanui, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sisters Junette Koa, Charlene Wilcox, and brother Ernest “Butch” Yee Hoy Jr., along with grandchildren Dina Akiona & Malia Larey Aioletuna. A memorial service for Ernestine will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, from 2:00pm - 5:00pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 800 Oneheʻe Ave in Kahului.
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