Miyo Koba

Miyo Koba passed away peacefully Jan. 1, 2026, at Samaritan Hospital, with family at her side. Miyo lived most of her 101 years in Moses Lake, Wash. She was born in Toppenish, Wash., where her parents, Frank and Tomi, were farmers.  

Miyo was the fourth of eight children, and she learned to work hard while helping with her younger siblings and doing farm chores as she grew up. She graduated from Toppenish Senior High School but was unable to attend her commencement ceremony in May 1942 due to the curfew imposed on Japanese Americans prior to the impending World War II era evacuation to the internment camps. Miyo and her family were relocated first to the Portland Assembly Center and then to the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Northwestern Wyoming. When the family was released from the internment camp in 1945, they settled in Moses Lake to join her sister and brother-in-law.  

It was in Moses Lake that she met Frank Koba, who would become her husband of over 61 years. Miyo and Frank married Nov. 23, 1946, in Seattle, where they lived for a short time before moving back to Moses Lake. Married life brought a growing family, first Rick, followed by Marsha and Doug. One of Frank and Miyo's biggest moments was the purchase of Frank's Grocery in January 1952. From the store, they served generations of families and school children in the neighborhood. 

Miyo had a passion for gardening and loved growing tomatoes, peaches, vegetables, roses and her prized geraniums. Her front yard was a showpiece to all who passed by. She was a skilled cook and learned many of her recipes from her mother. She enjoyed preparing food for family and friends, and many hours were spent sharing food and laughter around her large dining room table. As a younger woman, Miyo was an avid dancer, bowler and golfer. Many locals know that she later put one of those golf clubs to good use at age 89. 

Miyo is survived by her sons, Rick (Kathy) of Moses Lake, Doug (Jeanne) of Phoenix, Ariz.; granddaughters Kalin (Joel) Armstrong, Alexa (Justin) Sandusky; grandson Taylor Koba; great-granddaughter Adalynn Sandusky; sisters Margie Hattori and Fumi Nakamura; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and daughter, Marsha and siblings Kiyo, Joe, Yuri, Ich and Janice. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined. 

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://bit.ly/MIYOKOBA. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.