Paula Kaye Murakami

Paula Kaye Murakami, 75, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home in Spokane, Washington, on February 4, 2025, at 8:45 p.m.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Paula lived a full and vibrant life, marked by adventure, creativity, and deep devotion to her family. She passed just two days before what would have been her 54th wedding anniversary with her beloved husband, Yukio.

In the mid-1950s, Paula lived in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on an American compound while her father worked for Aramco. She enjoyed traveling, and her life took an unexpected but beautiful turn when she met her husband. A native of Japan, he had come to the U.S. to work for Datsun/Nissan, where he met Paula’s father, who then introduced them. Despite initially communicating mostly through dictionaries, they married just three months later.

After her husband joined the U.S. Air Force and became a naturalized U.S. citizen, their life became one of adventure, moving to various bases around the world. Their journey began at Chanute AFB in Illinois, then took them to Torrejón AFB in Madrid, Spain, Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Yokota AFB in Japan, Fairchild AFB in Washington State, back to Yokota AFB, and finally Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio, where her husband retired from military service. They then returned to the home they had purchased in the early 1980s in Spokane, where they spent their retirement together. Paula remained there until her last days.

Paula was a graduate of Green B. Trimble Technical High School in Fort Worth, where she earned a degree in cosmetology. During her high school years, she developed a love for cars, influenced by her father, who was a well-known mechanic and deeply involved in the Fort Worth racing scene. She enjoyed working on her own 1969 Chevy Camaro, embracing both independence and mechanical know-how, a rare trait for a young woman at the time.

She worked in various beauty salons throughout her career, including one on Yokota Air Force Base in Japan. She was also employed by AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service) and worked in food services, including the Yokota High School cafeteria and at BX locations on Yokota and Wright-Patterson AFB. From the mid to late 1990s, she worked at Spencer Gifts at Northtown Mall in Spokane, where she made many close friendships and created cherished memories during one of the most enjoyable periods of her life.

Paula was deeply involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, actively supporting all three of her sons throughout their scouting years. She dedicated significant time, effort, and energy to the program, making lasting contributions, particularly during the mid to late 1980s at Yokota Air Base. Always eager to help, she took on a leadership role and played an essential part in organizing and guiding activities. Her commitment to scouting not only strengthened her sons’ experiences but also positively impacted many other young scouts along the way.

A woman of many talents, Paula had a lifelong desire to become a detective, which she pursued with determination—eventually earning her badge and ID as a private investigator. She was also a certified herbalist and co-owner of Top o' the Line Total Health Shoppe, a nutrition store in Spokane’s historic Garland Village. Her love for art and culture led her to become a licensed master in Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement, which she studied while living in Japan. A dedicated genealogy enthusiast, she spent years meticulously uncovering and documenting her family's Irish, German, and Cherokee heritage, ensuring that their history would never be forgotten.

Paula had a passion for collecting, a love first inspired by her father’s coin and stamp collections when she was growing up. She developed a particular interest in Coca-Cola memorabilia, as her great-great-uncle, John Pemberton, was the inventor of the legendary drink. She also collected Star Trek memorabilia and other pop culture favorites. Her collection was vast, and she enjoyed the thrill of finding unique and special pieces.

For the past 20 years, Paula was the primary supporter and key contributor to her husband’s Japanese-English translations, which he considers his most important life’s work. She diligently proofread his translations, refined the wording for clarity, and provided valuable suggestions to ensure accuracy. Her dedication and keen attention to detail reflected her devotion not only to her husband but also to the work itself, making her an indispensable part of the process.

The unseen world was central to Paula’s spiritual connection and view of life. From a young age, she experienced phenomena that defied explanation, a pattern that continued throughout her life—just as it had for her mother and grandmother before her. These encounters shaped her deep fascination with the paranormal, not as mere curiosities, but as profound glimpses into a greater reality. Her home in Spokane became a place where the extraordinary was commonplace, reinforcing her belief that there was always more to existence than what met the eye. She approached these mysteries with both wonder and reverence, always seeking to understand the unseen forces that intertwined with everyday life.

Paula’s faith was a guiding force in her life. Raised Southern Baptist in Fort Worth, she continued to attend church while living in Japan. In the early 1980s, she had a profound near-death experience while her husband was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. After arriving at the hospital due to a life-threatening accident, with a blood pressure of 30/0 from severe blood loss, she recalled rising out of her body and being transported into another world, where she experienced a vision of herself appearing in a field with beautiful white horses as Jesus approached her. He explained to her that she had to go back because it was not yet her time. Four angels then appeared and escorted her back to her body. This experience strengthened her faith, and she continued to talk to Jesus throughout her life, drawing upon these moments to gain strength during challenging times.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Paula will be remembered most for her kindness, humor, and unwavering love for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, always present to support her children in their endeavors. She had an infectious laugh, a playful spirit, and a generous heart, never missing a birthday and always ensuring her loved ones were showered with thoughtful gifts.

Paula is survived by her husband, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren. She also leaves behind extended family, including cousins in the Fort Worth area.

A viewing will be held on February 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Chapel at Fairmount Memorial Park, located behind the VA Hospital in Spokane, Washington (5200 W Wellesley Ave, Spokane, WA 99205). Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with the graveside burial service taking place at 12:00 p.m.

Paula’s legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.