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As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:
Rachel A. Wiitala, a resident of Painesdale died peacefully on July 30, 2024, with her children by her side. She was 82 years old.
She was born in Toivola Michigan to the late Rafael and Sylvia (Perala) Maki.
On July 21, 1962, she married Clayton Wiitala. He preceded her in death in 2001.
Rachel was known for her homemade bread and pasties that she always shared with family and friends. She loved to crochet, making doilies and afghans to give to others.
She is survived by her children Troy (Cindy) Wiitala, Tina (Jamie) Mattila and Terry (Danielle) Wiitala. Grandchildren: Taylor (Billy), Troy (Alisha), Kayla, Alina (Brian), Chelsea (Jason), Shantel (Chris) and Carli. Great Grandchildren: Eli, Charlie, Henrick, Hudson, Clayton, Lainey and Christopher. Sisters: Natalie Jurkanis, Cindy (Ken) Martin, and Glenda McMillan. Brother: John Maki. Brother-in-Laws: Melvin Wiitala and Walter (Sharon) Wiitala. Sister-in-Law: Betty Wiitala. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends and neighbors she considered family.
Preceded in death by a sister Fay Maki, brother in laws Richard Jurkanis, who was very special to her and Scott McMillan, sister-in-law Violet Wiitala and niece Sheila Snell, and her special friends Lorna and Bernice whom she missed so much.
She had a special spunk and was loved by all of us!
There will be a graveside service for family and close friends on August 17, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Toivola Cemetery with a celebration of life to follow at the Toivola Fire Hall from 1:00-4:00 pm.
To view Rachel’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range has been assisting the family with the arrangements.
