Mieko “Bigmom” Hershberger

Mieko “Bigmom” Hershberger, 95 years young, of Raytown, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on October 5, 2025, surrounded by her devoted husband Richard and numerous family members. She was never alone and always embraced by love.

Born on April 9, 1930, in Osaka, Japan, Bigmom was strong-willed, hardworking, and full of life. Throughout her years, she worked in several hotels and restaurants in and around the Plaza area, including Gojos in her earlier years. Later, she began a long career at Walmart, where she retired after 24 years of service.

Bigmom loved family gatherings filled with laughter and great food. She never passed up a good sale, enjoyed shopping, and loved spending weekends at estate sales. She had a special fondness for antiques, watermelon decorations, flowers, and the many dogs who brought her joy throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sueko and Seichi Nose; and her loving daughters, Frances Curtis and Susi Fonseca.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, Richard Hershberger, who was by her side until the end; children, Maria Pyle, Danny Curtis, Charlie (Tory) Curtis, and Michelle Hatasawa (Temo Olivares); grandchildren: Nina Pendergraft, Marisa (Scott) Wright, Tim (Sarah) Curtis, Alec (Margo) Curtis, Tori Curtis, Justin Curtis, Cayla (Ryan) Hookano, DJ Curtis, Mia Hatasawa (Frankie Williams), and Adrian (Smarty) Olivares; great-grandchildren: Julian (Morgan) Gidley, Curtis (Umeyo) McNiell, Michaela Davis, Austin Pendergraft, Quinn Curtis, Kirby Curtis, Emmett Curtis, and Summer Curtis; and great-great-grandchild, Marcus Gidley.

Bigmom will be remembered for her strength, her warmth, and her love of family. We feel the loss of her presence deeply and will cherish her memory always.