Ruth Kauionalani Marks-Faafiti

It is with deep sorrow yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Ruth Kauionalani Marks-Fa’afiti on March 17, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on July 19, 1955, in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Ruth was the beloved daughter of Roselani Rodrigues and Edwin Kuualohapoinaole Kauhane. Her life was a testament to love, dedication, and the enduring spirit of ohana-family.

Ruth’s boundless love extended across generations, beginning with her late husband, Tofi Fa’afiti with whom she shared many cherished years. Together, they nurtured a blended family- Ruth was a devoted mother to her children: Dennis (Patricia) Marks, Joseph (Joanna) Marks, Chanel Ramos, Daniella Fa’afiti, Desiree Marks, Sabrina (Clyde) Thompson, Ana (Joslyn) Indreginal, and Tofi Fa’afiti. Her nurturing spirit blossomed in her role as grandmother to Alexander Marks, Derek (Veronica) Marks, Lauren Marks, Liliana Marks-Siilata, Ekolu Preston, Jordan Thompson, Matthew Marks, Jada Thompson, Preston Marks, Jolenna (Nicole) Marks, Honu Preston, Jaylen Thompson, Hauoli Haiola, Jessie Thompson, Anela Haiola, Joie-Lou Thompson, Jake Haiola and Po’okela Indreginal. Her legacy continued through her great-grandchildren Iokepa Marks-Siilata, Xitlali Marks, and Quetzali Marks, who were the twinkle in her eye and the joy of her heart.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband Tofi, her great-grandson Tanielu Tupu Kaitoa Marks-Siilata, and her siblings Maile Turner, Rebecca (Bullard) Vierra, Timothy Kauhane, Gaylen Kauhane. She is survived by her siblings Gaylord Nishimura, Williet Kauhane, Juliet Kauhane, Stanton (Lynn) Kauhane, and Anne Kauhane, each of whom is held dear.

A dedicated educator, Ruth served with distinction at Kamehameha Schools for 15 years, touching countless lives before an injury brought her teaching career to a close. Her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds continued as she contributed to the Malama Oke Ola program at Wahiawa Intermediate and Waialua Intermediate and High School during the academic year. In the summers, she delighted in sharing her love for cooking with students at the Kamehameha campus, leaving an indelible mark on many students.

Beyond her professional life, Ruth was an active member of the Latter-Day Saints Church for over 25 years, where she found spiritual fulfillment and community. In the 1980s, she was also an enthusiastic participant in the Hawaiian Civics Club, embodying a commitment to cultural heritage and civic responsibility.

Ruth’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, service, and faith. Her legacy is one of compassion, connection, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her courageous strength, encouraging guidance, and her remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and deeply loved.

We will be gathering to celebrate the beautiful life of Ruth Kauionalani Marks-Fa’afiti, honoring the love, strength, and light she shared with all who were blessed to know her. Though our hearts are heavy, we trust that her spirit has returned home with open arms, where she rests in eternal peace. Our family warmly invites all who knew and loved her to join us in remembering and celebrating a life that touched so many hearts. More details about the celebration of life will be shared at a later date.

A hui hou!