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As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:
Lilly Wiitala, 94, a former resident of Houghton, went home to be with the Lord on October 1, 2024 at Canal View in Hancock where she had been a resident patient for 6 years.
She was born on May 18, 1930 in Quincy Township, a daughter of Fred and Mary Eakin. As a child she attended the Heinala School. Most of her life she resided in Houghton.
On April 15, 1950 she was united in marriage to the late Laurie E. Wiitala with the couple raising their three children together, Jimmy, Christy, and Lori Ann.
Lilly was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Dollar Bay. She enjoyed spending time on the front porch of their home and entertaining visitors and grand-kids with tea and goodies. She also enjoyed going to church and reading her Bible.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Laurie, her parents, son James, daughter Lori Ann, sisters Mable Wakeham, Elsie Luoma, Dorothy Ylitalo, and brothers William Eakin, John Eakin, and David Eakin.
She is survived by her daughter, Christy (John) Kerttu of Houghton, eleven grandchildren, eleven grand-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandsons. Also surviving are her sisters Vera Smith of Houghton and Loretta Laplander of Dollar Bay, brothers George (June) Eakin of Hurontown, Fred Eakin of Montrose, MI, Harold (Fanny) Eakin of West Bloomfield, MI, and by many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes a special thank you to the staff at Canal View, and to Dr. Bruce Trusock and Dr. Kelly Fletcher, for their love and care for Lilly.
A memorial service will be held in the spring, Lilly’s favorite time of the year. The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
