September 19, 1929 – May 17, 2026
Beloved family matriarch and long-time resident of Nipomo, Calif., Reiko Whitestine passed away at home on May 17, 2026. Born in the Otowa district of Tokyo, Japan, middle of three Morooka sisters, she experienced WWII Tokyo during high school. After the war, she met her late husband, Paul in Tokyo. Paul’s work as a radar engineer led them to travel across the world and a special love for Alaska. Reiko and Paul worked together as a team to establish and operate several businesses in the Santa Maria area including, at one time, the iconic Skyview Motel. They also ran a summer fishing lodge on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. Relatives, friends and neighbors have many fond memories of their fabulous Santa Maria-style BBQs. Reiko spent her retirement days gardening using native plants to create a beautiful environment for birds and bees. Reiko is survived by her sons, Walt (Paso Robles) and Dave (Nipomo); grandchildren, April, Mary, Jonathan (Santa Maria) and Faith (Sacramento), two great-grandchildren, older sister, Ikuko (Torrance), and younger sister, Akiko (Tokyo). Services will be held at the Lady Mortuary in Arroyo Grande on July 30.