Obituary: Myra B. DeMotts

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

     Myra B. DeMotts, 95, a resident of the Bluff’s Senior Living Community passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the Omega House in Houghton following a short illness.

     She was born on October 25, 1927, in Chicago, IL, a daughter of the late Wayne and Lempi (Paalanen) Bakka.  As a child, Myra moved with her family to the Ironwood area and was a graduate of the Ironwood High School.  She then attended Lawrence College to pursue a degree in music.  It was while at college that Myra met her future husband, Gerald DeMotts.  The couple were married on September 18, 1948, and made their home in Ironwood.  In 1957, they moved to make their home in Hancock and to own and operate DeMotts Studio.

     Mrs. DeMotts helped her husband with the family business as a portrait artist.  She was active with the Zion Lutheran Church playing the organ and piano for church services and other functions.  Myra also played with various musical groups in the area such as the Copper Country Choral.  She had a gift of composing music using scripture.

     Preceding her in death were her husband Gerald, her son Jerry DeMotts, Her daughter Nina Ullmann along with her parents. 

     Surviving are: 

       Her daughters: Susan (David) Repola

                                Greta (Mike) Kulm

     Her son: Fredrick DeMotts

     Her grandchildren: Lynn (Wakefield) Troy, Sara (Stewart) Reynolds, Cheryl (Lucio) Zell, Laura (Aldo) Vesco, Josh (Julie) Koskela, Aaron (Annie) Koskela, Stephanie (Ethan) Moegenburg

     Her great-grandchildren: Henry, Arne, Lincoln, Isaac, Arthur, Laurina, Donovan, Dennis, Elias, Myra, Miles, Caydance and Mason.

     Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

     A memorial service for Myra will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the Zion Lutheran Church of Hancock with Pastor Jesse Aho to officiate.  Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery of Calumet.

      Friends may call on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 10:00 am until time of services at the Zion Lutheran Church of Hancock.

     Memorial gifts in Myra’s memory may be given to Zion Lutheran Church, Hancock, Lahti Retreat Center, Omega House, or the Inter-Lutheran Theological Seminary.

     To view Myra’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

     The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.