Virginia DeLuz, matriarch of Hamakua family, dead at 93

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

PA'AUILO, Hawai'i — Virginia Ramos DeLuz, the matriarch of a highly successful Hamakua family that spread itself into business, land ownership and politics, died at her Pohakea homestead residence Friday. She was 93.

"Gramma DeLuz" was a life-long resident of mauka Pa'auilo. Her rancher husband, Frank DeLuz Jr., died four years ago.

Her son Frank III, who served several terms as a county councilman, said his mother was preparing for a doctor's visit when she died at home — "as she wanted to do." Although in declining health, his mother enjoyed playing dice games with her family the night before she died, he said.

She had returned recently from attending college graduation ceremonies for her grandchildren in Los Angeles and Seattle before enjoying a side trip to Las Vegas.

Each of her eight grandchildren obtained college degrees, according to Frank III, who noted his dad quit school after the second grade, and he and his two brothers never entered college.

"Gramma DeLuz" helped her husband with the family's slaughterhouse at the Pohakea ranch. She was regarded as a grand hostess. "She said 'everybody come,' " according to her son.

DeLuz said what his parents did — starting out as a poor ranching family and becoming successful investors and business people — "is a lesson to all generations."

Even his mother's funeral had been paid for in advance, he discovered over the weekend.

Her son David is an automobile dealer who once owned interisland agencies and a rental car firm but now operates dealerships in Hilo and Kona. He is part of a group that acquired Mauna Kea Ranch at Kuka'iau.

She also is survived by son Herbert; a daughter, Gladys Mello; brothers, Abraham and Eugene Ramos; sister, Delpha Mahuna; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; .

A funeral Mass will be held at 7 p.m. tomorrow at Pa"auilo St. Joseph Church, with visitation 6 to 9 p.m.

Entombment will be Thursday at Homelani Memorial Park Mausoleum following 11 a.m. prayer service.

Her family requests no flowers and aloha attire. Memorial Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements, (808) 935-1257.