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Gladys Rantanen (Turtle) 56 of Baraga, Michigan passed on June 23, 2018 at the Baraga County Hospital. Born in L’Anse; the daughter of the late George & Betty (Barbano) Rantanen.
After becoming a single mother of four children, Gladys returned to high school to fulfill her dream of becoming a graduate in 1990. She was employed with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as a housekeeping supervisor at the Ojibwa Casino and finishing her working career as a cashier at the Pines Convenience Center for many years.
Gladys was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the Ojibwa Seniors. She loved decorating especially for Halloween, beading, gardening, rummaging, camping, going to the casino and spending time with her grandchildren and family. Her house was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay and she made a killer fry bread. Gladys was known as the pitcher on the women’s Zeba softball team and presented some excellent horseshoe and pool skills back in the day.
In addition to her parents she was proceeded in death by her son George Selden, brother, Randall Rantanen, sister Paula Rantanen and infant sister Marion Rantanen.
Survivors include the love of her life Gary Mayo, daughter Laurie (Wayne) Champagne, Sons, John Selden of Monroe, David Selden of Zeba. Brothers Walter (Avis) Leinonen of L’Anse, David (Chris) Rantanen of Manistique; sister Mary (Wayne) Kostamo of Pelkie; grandchildren Holley, Wayne, Briana, Montana, Amy Katie, Christopher, Abby, George and Riley along with several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Thursday, June 28th from 10-11 a.m. at the KBIC Zeba Hall. Her funeral ceremony will be at 11 a.m. with Rev. Steve Rhoades officiating followed by a native feast. Burial will be in the Pinery Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Gladys’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com
