Obituary: Merlita "Merle" Raposas Honma, 82

Merlita "Merle" Raposas Honma, 82, passed away on December 4, 2025, in Petersburg, Alaska. Her loss is felt deeply not only by those who loved her most, but by the entire Petersburg community she graced with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Born on September 1, 1943, in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, to Rosalina and Cirilo Raposas, Merle was raised with values rooted in family and the simple joys of life. She immigrated with her family to Kauai, Hawaii, at just three months old and later graduated from Kauai High School in 1961. On October 16, 1982, she married the love and joy of her life, Alan Honma, building a marriage grounded in devotion, faith, and shared purpose. Merle built a successful career as a manager at Associated Financial Services before retiring early. In 1989, Merle and Alan made the big move to Petersburg, Alaska, beginning a new chapter together – one filled with fellowship, service, and community.

Merle poured her heart into the things she loved, always seeing them as blessings from God. Her tulip garden was legendary in town, a radiant display of beauty each spring that many would drive by simply to admire it. She had a natural eye for beauty, seen not only in her gardening and landscaping, but also in the warm, inviting spaces she created for her family and friends. She especially delighted in her remarkable nutcracker collection and her longtime admiration for blue and white Chinese porcelain, each piece carefully chosen and proudly displayed as part of her home. Her kitchen was always full of good food, comforting aromas, and joyful conversation. Whether cooking a favorite meal, planning a family celebration, or organizing a church gathering, she served others wholeheartedly, seeing every act as a way to share God's love.

Her faith was lived out daily through kindness and service. She loved fishing in the derby, crafting thoughtful handmade gifts, and finding small but meaningful ways to lift someone's spirits. She was deeply involved in her church and treasured fellowship with others. No matter where she went, she brought people together. Her friendly, outgoing nature made her the heart of countless gatherings, conversations, and friendships.

Those who knew her will remember her tender, Christ-centered spirit, and the way she cared deeply, listened fully, prayed faithfully, and loved without hesitation. She had a rare gift for making others feel seen, valued, and truly welcomed, reflecting the love of Jesus in all she did.

Merle is survived by her husband, Alan Honma; her children, Kurt (Tia) Viluan, Merlianne Garcia, Tammy (David) Aikin, and Daryl (Jennifer) Toyomura; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brothers Lodrine (Vivian) Raposas, Jerry Raposas, Edwin (Aurora) Raposas, and sisters Helen Masuda and Adeline (Bruce) Walter.

She was preceded in death by her parents Cirilo and Rosalina Raposas, brother Jose Raposas, and sister Josephine Raposas. Her family finds great comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, reunited with loved ones who went before her.

Merle's faith-filled life, boundless love, warmth and the joy she shared so freely with her family and community will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on

April 25, 2026, at 11 a.m.

at the Bethesda Fellowship Church.