Barbara Marie Mantila

Barbara M. Mantila, age 82 of Baraga, MI passed away on Monday, September 13, 2010 at her home after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born March 31, 1928 in Zeba, MI daughter to Samuel Lightfoot and Margaret (Kipsoden) Spruce. Barbara graduated from Baraga High School in 1975. She was a community health representative and an Associate Tribal Judge for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

Surviving are her sons, John (Gerry) Mantila of L'Anse, James (Lisa) Mantila of Ishpeming, Carl Mantila of L'Anse; daughters, Sylvia (Tim) Murray of Baraga, MI, Mavis Mantila of Minneapolis, MN, Kathleen Mantila of Washington DC; sisters, Evelyn Holappa and Eleanor Seppanen both of Zeba, Rosemary Haataja of Pikes Peak; brother Ronald (Betty) Spruce of L'Anse; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Evans, Jonathan Evans, Sara Mantila Roosa, Emily Mantila, Kristin Brown, Cheyenne Holappa; five great grandchildren, Madison & Lauren Evans, Scott Michael Brown, Amber Dowd and Kyle Holappa.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband Edward Mantila; and her brothers, Russell, William, Robert, Kenneth, Sam, infant Stephen, Kenneth Spruce; infant sister Patricia Spruce.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, September 16th from 5:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. in the Ceremonial Room at the Ojibwa Senior Citizens Center. The visitation will continue all night until the funeral service which will be held on Friday, Sept. 17th at 11:00 a.m.. Rev. John Henry will officiate. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Barbara's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.