Amy Konishi

November 3, 1925 - April 27, 2016

Amy Konishi, 90, of Rocky Ford, died Wednesday April 27, 2016, of a massive heart attack at Parkview Hospital in Pueblo. She was born November 3, 1925, in Rocky Ford to Otomatsu and Tamiye Nakayama. Amy grew up south of Rocky Ford in Grand Valley where her parents farmed for 70 years. She attended high school at Swink High School and graduated in 1943. After spending a year at LeGall Beauty College in Pueblo, she opened her own beauty shop on Feb. 1, 1945, with her sister-in-law Minnie Konishi Babamoto. Chic Paree was originally in the "blue room" at El Capitan but she moved it to the Grand Theater Building in 1952 and it has been there ever since. On the morning of her death she was cancelling permanents and appointments because she wasn't "feeling well." Amy loved her work and her customers. She was honored by the Rocky Ford Chamber of Commerce for owning and operating her business for 60 years , but continued for another 10 years. She sang in church and community choirs and formed a duo "Salt and Pepper" with her special friend B.J. Thomas. They were named Pioneer Women of the Year at Pioneer Health Care Center for entertaining the residents. They entertained each Tuesday at many area nursing homes and other community events. Numerous funerals were enhanced by her musical talents. Bowling was an important part of Amy's life. She continued to bowl two nights a week. She was inducted into the Colorado Women Bowling Association's Hall of Fame and the Japanese American National Bowling Association Hall of Fame. She was a very active member of the First Christian Church and Beta Sigma Phi. She was a Regional Master bridge player, enjoying several bridge groups. Amy is survived by her daughter Sandie (John) Dell of Rocky Ford; son, Steve (Melinda) Konishi of Visalia, CA; grandchildren, Laurie (Roberto) Granados and Tara (Cleveland) Holmes of Parker, Kristi (Marc) Kushner of Castle Rock, Shannon (Pam) Konishi and Aaron (Julie) Konishi of Visalia, CA, and Brandon (Danielle) Konishi of Santa Cruz, CA; great-grandchildren, Corie (Jamie) Venegas of Aurora, Morgan Venegas, Kaylie Granados, Lillian, Quinn, and Julia Holmes of Parker, Kevin and Ryan Kushner of Castle Rock, Megan , Tea, Cameron, Kelsey, and Ava of Visalia, CA; Ella ,Eli, Luca,and Marcus of Santa Cruz, CA; great-great-grandchildren, Cale and Colt Venegas of Aurora, CO; sisters, Jane Hada and Jo Shioji of Wheatridge, CO, and sisters-in-law, Marie Nakayama of Aurora, CO and Minnie Babamoto of Los Angeles, CA; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hank, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 4, at 10:30 a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church in Rocky Ford with Pastor John Dell of the First Christian Church officiating. Viewing will be Wednesday, May 4 from 9:30 AM until service time. In Lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Christian Church; 9th & Maple, Rocky Ford, CO 81067. Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.

SERVICES

Viewing will be

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Community Presbyterian Church

303 S. 9th

Rocky Ford, CO 81067

Funeral Service

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 10:30 AM

Community Presbyterian Church

303 S. 9th

Rocky Ford, CO 81067