Hideko Aratani

After a brief illness, Hideko "Hedy" Aratani, 97, a long-time resident of Mitchell, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019, at the home of her daughter in Centennial, Colorado, with loved ones at her side. An inurnment service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff, Nebraska at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Hedy was born in Wheatland, Wyoming on January 1, 1922 to Yagoro Uchida and Hana (Fujioka) Uchida. She was married to Andrew (Andy) Aratani on April 25, 1946 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Hedy was a dedicated farmer's wife, a giving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, and caregiver to many. She was an excellent cook, seamstress, gardener, and had a passion for bowling which she continued to do well into her eighties. She was famous for her fried chicken and potato salad which were always the first to go at every banquet and school picnic. Hedy also enjoyed sewing with her friends making hats, blankets, and bags for donations to the Ronald McDonald House. She always looked forward to the annual family reunion held in Las Vegas and enjoyed finding that lucky slot machine.

Hedy provided for her family of five after the sudden passing of her husband, Andy, in 1971 by utilizing her talents as a seamstress at the Gerry Coat Factory and as a cook at the Town and Country Deli, the Wel-Life Assisted Living facility, and the Mitchell Care Center.

Hedy is survived by her children, Donna (Edward) Deckard of Oakland, California, William (Gloria) Aratani of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Robert Aratani of Denver, Colorado, and Patricia (Kurt) Smogor of Centennial, Colorado; grandchildren, Andrea (Daniel) Graham, Jennifer (Greg) Taylor, Scott Aratani, Melanie Aratani (Brian Rorick), Jessica Aratani, Andrew Aratani, and Ryan (Jada) Aratani; great grandchildren, Daede Ott, Madisyn Taylor, Roslyn Taylor, Conner Taylor, and Jet Aratani; sister-in-law, Helen Aratani; and daughter-in-law, Rose Aratani.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Andy; parents, Yagoro and Hana; brother, Jimmy Uchida; and son, Jerry.