Obituary: Sandy Ahola

UPDATE: A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Jul 30, 2022, at the Stanton Fire Hall from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.

As received from the Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:

Sandra Lee Ahola, 63, a resident of Portage Township, passed away Saturday, December 11, 2021 surrounded by her husband and children.
Sandy was born on July 26, 1958 in Hancock, Michigan to MaryAnne (White) Lexson and James Wenberg. She was raised in Stanton by her mother and her late father, David Lexson. She was a proud alumnus of the Redridge School and a 1976 graduate of Houghton High School.
On October 16, 1976, she was united in marriage to Ricky Ahola. Their family grew beautifully with 5 children and eventually 10 grandchildren. Nothing made Sandy happier than to be surrounded by her loved ones, whether it be cheering on at a sporting or scouting event, listening to a concert, watching a play, taking road-trips, creating goodies in the kitchen, playing games, or finding a good deal. Her favorite pastime was spending time together at the lake.
Sandys “get it done” attitude shined through strongly in her volunteer work. She spent countless hours volunteering for 4-H, the Houghton County Fair Board, Copper Country Pigs-N-Heat, school or church events and more. When family or close friends had an event, she was the first to be there, making her famous lasagna and pitching in to help any way she could. Sandy’s helping hand will definitely be missed. When she wasn’t with family, at the lake, or volunteering, you could find Sandy at the Bingo Hall.
She was previously employed at the Onigaming Restaurant and recently retired after working as the head cook at the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department.
She is survived by her husband, Ricky Ahola, 5 children, Amy (Allan Johnsen) Ahola, Philip Ahola, Nathan (Heather) Ahola, Amber (Bryce) Tuttle and Erica (Eric) Bates. Her pride and joy were truly her 10 grandchildren, Dane, Denny, Damian, Antionette, David, Taylor, Tori, Noah, Elizabeth and Wyatt. She is also survived by her mother, MaryAnne Lexson, sisters Wendy Johnson, Linda (Dawna Slusarzyk) Wareham, Judy Kanto, Cindy (Peter) Autio, Laura (John, “Jack”) Voght, Tammy Lexson, and brother, William (Melanie Thayer) Lexson. Inlaws: Vicki (Mark) Little, Jon (Laura) Ahola, Dawn (Michael) Guzak, Mary (Daniel) Crane, Sandy (Israel Alfonso) Allen, along with numerous aunts/uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and an immeasurable extended family. Sandy loved them all as her own. She had a heart of gold and “adopted” anyone who needed her, without judgment.
Sandy was preceded in death by her father: David Lexson, inlaws: Frederick and Agnes Ahola, brother-in-laws: Earl Johnson, Eugene Kanto and Frederick Ahola Jr.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to one of the organizations listed above or to continue her kindness by helping out someone in need.
The family is planning a celebration of life to be held at a future date.
To view Sandy’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with the arrangements.