Sue Webster

LIFE SKETCH

Sue Webster was born Natsu Motoki on a warm day in Autumn; September 23, 1934, in Kisarazu, Chiba-Ken, Japan. She was the daughter of Kiyoshi and Ichi. She was the third of four children. She was especially close to her younger sister Hiroko. Although Natsu means Summer in Japanese, she was named after her beloved paternal grandmother, who was known for her beauty, intelligence and wisdom, all traits Sue inherited and then some.

Sue had a childhood that none of us could ever imagine. She was 7 years old when her mother Ichi passed from stomach cancer. Her family also experienced the deadliest war in Japan’s history, World War II, a time marked by fear, loss, and profound hardship. She was 11 when the war reached its most devastating point. Chiba and the surrounding areas endured air raids, food shortages, and daily uncertainty. Like many children of her generation, Natsu grew up quickly, learning resilience and perseverance at a very young age. The family stuck together regardless, and life lessons were passed on in these humble surroundings. Once, her father gave her 200 yen (approximately $50.00 at the time), which was later stolen from her by someone who she thought was her friend. Her father simply told her, “At least it was not YOU who was the one who stole the money.” Kiyoshi’s point was clear, while it hurts to lose a friend (and money) always be trustworthy in your life.

She witnessed the end of the war and the beginning of Japan’s long recovery, experiences that shaped her quiet strength and humility that carried her across continents and through every chapter of her life. It was 1958 when Sue met a cute American Air Force airman from Queens, New York named Robert Lee Webster, 5 years her senior. Cultural differences and language barriers were minor inconveniences for them. When Bob asked Sue if she would like popcorn on one of their first dates at the movies, she was amazed by the texture and flavor of the new snack. She continued to enjoy popcorn throughout her life, and at least one of her grandchildren, Jenna, continues to order a large popcorn with an immediate refill at her frequent movie visits. They were soon married, and number one son Douglas Lee came in 1959 at Johnson Air Force Base northwest of Tokyo, Japan.

Mom Sue became very protective and attentive as Doug had health issues from the start, including a heart murmur that was resolved 14 years later with open heart surgery. The military life called, and the young family moved stateside. Son number two, Joseph Stuart, came along in 1961 in Lewistown, Montana; a place most people would never choose to visit. This was near a radar station in which Bob’s job was to watch a radar scope, looking for potential incoming missiles at the onset of the bitter cold war with the red threat across the Bering Sea, while Sue raised babies.

The young family obediently followed Uncle Sam’s call, and traveled to New York, Canada, New Mexico, back to Japan, and ending in New Mexico. The four years in Japan was a joyful reunion with Sue’s sisters, brother, nieces, and friends. Sue’s time was spent watching her sons play Little League baseball and being a loyal Den Mother. Bob and Sue decided to move to Las Vegas after Bob’s retirement, strategically located near Nellis Air Force Base and suspiciously close to the slot machines.

Sue was fortunate to land a great job as a waitress at the World Famous Benihana restaurant in the Hilton Hotel, at the height of the Elvis era. Before work you could always find her getting ready at the kitchen table (her vanity, her office, forever her favorite spot.) Over the years, she served many prominent people, including President Ford, Wayne Newton (several times), and boxers Mohammed Ali and Mike Tyson (there are picture somewhere). After 19 years, she retired to a life of leisure tending to her many lovable dachshunds, poker machines and Buffalo slots. Sue loved flowers, music, karaoke, traditional Japanese dancing, dogs, tangerines, Godiva chocolate, Sbarro pizza in the Boulder Station food court, steak (preferably made by Joe), and Sora Ramen house.

Sue was as feisty as they come. When asked to describe her, Sue’s grandchildren remember her kindness, generosity, being very accepting, and always having a sweet thing to say. They also were quick to recall the amazing Sue stories, the late nights at the casino, her unwillingness to give up driving, and always being ready to respond with a quick-witted reply. She truly was one of a kind.

Sue lived a life of resilience, loyalty, humor and joy. She was known to speak her mind for better or worse. She survived war, raised a family, mastered the American life and never once lost her sense of who she was.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob in 1981, father Kiyoshi Motoki, Mother Ichi Isogai, brother Takashi and sister Keiko. She is survived by her son Doug (Tosh), son Joe (Patty), sister Hiroko, nieces Miwa and Miharu, and her grandchildren, Angie, Casey, Robert, Anthony, Jenna, Larrea, Amaya, and Brandon and the sunshine of her life, her great-grandchildren - 11 and counting. In her words “so cute and smart!”