hile David served in the Marine Corps. While in North Carolina, they had two more daughters, Willow and Carol. In 1967, David retired after 24 years of service, and they moved to Colfax to be near family. Mieko worked as a talented, sought-after floral designer in the Des Moines area. She was known for her creative fashion as well as her love of jewelry and all things sparkly. She was a 50+ year member of the First Baptist Church, where she was involved with the Ladies Mission Circle. She was also a member of the Colfax Red Hats Society (Mineral Belles), P.E.O. Chapter B.A., and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed bowling in her younger years, playing cards, spending time at the Colfax Senior Citizen Center, crocheting, and entertaining friends and family. She loved to dance. Most of all, she loved spending time with family. Her family will remember her infectious laugh, perseverance, generosity, and love for the Lord. Those left to honor her memory include her children, Mary (Donal) Hill, Willow (Steven) Patterson, and Carol (Tony) Borts; seven grandchildren, Heather (Sim) Buckley, Holly (Charley) St. John, David (Julianne) Patterson, Stuart Patterson, Ryan (Megan) Borts, Mariah (David) Poyzer, and Joseph (Sophia) Borts; and three great grandchildren, Meleinna, Isabella, and Kingston. Also surviving are a brother, Koichi, and a sister, Hiroko, in Japan as well as several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband in 1988, and infant son, David.