Helen Michiko Ohta

I've been thinking about those Wednesday evening youth group meetings at the Ohta house, all of us squeezed in on the couch and chairs, fogging up the windows, following Helen's lead in the lesson she had put together for us. I remember one that was a guided meditation about walking through the woods and coming upon a body of water. Another activity had us communicating with another person using only the words "yes" and "no."
I don't know where she found these activities--this was pre-internet, pre-Google, pre-Pinterest. If you wanted a book with activities to prompt teens to ponder life lessons, you had to go to a bookstore--this was pre-Amazon and next-day delivery. Her creativity, passion for teaching, and loving concern for us was evident in her preparation for these weekly gatherings.

To the Ohta Family,

We just wanted to share a few memories of your mom because she was such a special part of our lives for so many years. She wasn’t just a friend — she was someone who brought kindness, warmth, and joy wherever she went.

Your mom and I (Ken) first met all the way back in elementary school. We went to school together from kindergarten through sixth grade, and I think we were even in the same class most of those years. She lived just around the next block from Lila, so after school we would often walk over to her house and we’d play together. From the very beginning, she was always friendly, cheerful, and easy to like. Everyone at school and at church loved her.

One funny memory I still remember is that one day in elementary school, for some reason, she hit me, Kenneth, on the head with a book! I don’t even remember why. We laugh now thinking maybe that was her way of showing she liked me.

As we (Lila) grew older, we both attended Stevenson and Roosevelt together. Your mom was always someone people admired. She was talented, outgoing, and seemed like she could do anything she set her mind to. She had a confidence and warmth that drew people to her naturally.

One of the things I remember most was how much fun we had during high school going to the beach together. My parents were very strict, so they didn’t let me go out with just anyone, but they trusted your mom completely. They knew she was a good person with a kind heart, and because of that, I could always go with her.

Your mom also played a special role in bringing our lives together. She invited me, Lila, to church, and through church we all became even closer friends. She told me, Lila, that she thought Ken was cute, but I thought he was okay. Then she saw Stanley and changed her mind and started to like him. She and Stanley started dating, and the four of us spent a lot of time together. We have such fond memories of those days — simple times, laughing together, going out together, and enjoying each other’s company.

One memory that still makes us smile is when the couples went to a place called “Tantalus,” which was considered a romantic spot back then. That is where Lila first kissed me (Ken). For the record, Lila doesn’t remember this but believes that he kissed her. Your parents kissed there too! We still laugh about that memory today.

More than anything, what stands out about your mom was her spirit. She was genuinely kind, caring, and friendly to everyone. She had a way of making people feel welcomed and loved. Those are the kinds of people you never forget.

We know how deeply she loved all five of you boys. She spoke about her family with pride and joy, and it was clear that being a mother meant everything to her.

As believers, one thing that brings us comfort is knowing that this is not goodbye forever. Your mom’s faith, kindness, and love for others reflected the love of Christ so beautifully. We hold onto the hope and promise that one day, in heaven, there will be a joyful reunion where there is no more pain, sorrow, or separation. Until then, we will continue to treasure the memories we shared with her and be grateful for the blessing she was to all of us.

We feel very blessed to have known her for so many years and to have shared so many memories together. Your mom was truly one of those rare people who made life brighter simply by being in it.

With love, prayers, and fond memories,

Ken and Lila Ashitomi

a memory - Mark replaced Stan and Helen's toilet many years ago. Every time I saw her since that time, Helen reminded me about the toilet as if it were a monumental thing. She was a great example to me of joy and appreciation.

I grew up with Helen on Hawaii. She was so funny and I appreciated her sense of humor. I remember her artwork was beautiful, too. God bless you, Helen.
Love,
Jean Moser

Helen was such an amazing person! I met her when I was just a kid in grade school. She always treated us like we were part of her family and I absolutely adored her. Going to her house was like going to a family member‘s house, it was always so welcoming. I love the time I spent with her. She helped shape my faith and was someone that I looked up to… (or down, lol 😆) She always encouraged me with my singing and my artwork (she has several of my pieces). I’m sad that I did not get another visit in before she left, but I’m so thankful that I did get to see her not long ago. I can’t wait to see her again in heaven. Until then we will miss you so much, Helen!

I had the privilege of Pastoring Helen for the last couple of years. She is an amazing woman whom I am sure is experiencing the glory of the Lord. I would visit sometimes, try to stop by and be an encouragement. Helen would always turn that on me, instead doing everything in her power to encourage me, and what God is doing in this ministry here in Molalla. She had a deep love for Jesus, the Gospel and her family. She loved finding more and more security in the perfect payment of Jesus Christ, often emailing me after a sermon she watched remarking on how it blessed her. I thank the Lord for the little time I was able to come to know Helen.