Obituaries
Ritsuko M White
October 20, 1936 - September 5, 2025
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VISITATION
September 12, 2025 | 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday - Yurs Funeral Home 1771 West State Street (Rte 38) Geneva
- Funeral Mass
- September 13, 2025 | 10:30 A.M. Saturday
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St. John Neumann Catholic Church St. Charles
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Burial Location
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Il
Ritsuko White, of Geneva, Illinois, was killed in a tragic car accident on September 5, 2025. Her sudden passing leaves a deep void in the lives of family and friends.
Ritsuko was known for her warmth, humor, and humility. She delighted in flower arranging, cooking, reading, and learning new languages—most recently Russian. She maintained active membership in the Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai, which promoted goodwill and friendship among those interested in Okinawan culture. She loved gathering her family for meals and sharing Japanese dishes grown from her garden.
Dennis and Ritsuko shared nearly 65 years of marriage, raising four children while cultivating a home grounded in faith, resilience, and love. They enjoyed gardening together, often tending their plot at the Geneva Community Garden, where Ritsuko grew Japanese specialties such as bitter melon and sweet potatoes.
They are survived by their children: Nancy (Shiv) of New York City; Carol (David) of Geneva, Illinois; Daniel of Ketchikan, Alaska; and Cathy (Jason) of San Jose, California; and seven grandchildren: Michael, Rachel, Sarah, Varun, Benjamin, Rosie, and Max.
Ritsuko is survived by her sisters Kimiko and Sachiko, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Fumiko and brother Iwo.
Together, Dennis and Ritsuko leave behind a profound legacy of faith, generosity, and devotion to family. They will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know them.
A visitation will be held Friday, September 12, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 W State Street A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, St. Charles. The interment will be at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL on Tuesday September 16, 2025 at 10:00 A.M.
The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed using the link below.
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Condolences
Eileen and Harold Hagen from Geneva, Il., IL
"We so enjoyed our friendship with Dennis & his lovely wife, Ritsuko. We had a plot in the Geneva Community Gardens and became friends because of our love for gardening. It was always nice to see them in their garden, working side by side tilling, planting and pulling weeds. Dennis was a wealth of gardening knowledge and so willing to share. We will always remember their devotion to each other and their plants. Our condolences to their family and everyone touched by their friendship."
Tanya Mazin from Naples, FL
"Our deepest condolences to Nancy, her husband and son and her extended family. May the memory of your mother be a blessing for you."
Fr. Dan Goulet, US Army from Fort Irwin, CA
"My prayers for Ritsuko's family. I knew Ritsuko and Dennis when I was in Korea back in the late 90s. We were active in the Catholic community and Cursillo and both of them were strong inspirations and prayer warriors as I discerned my priestly vocation. This Sunday, I will offer Mass for them at Fort Irwin."