Bertha Eleanor Honkala

Bertha Eleanor (Santti) Honkala, age 92, formerly of Alston, MI passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.

She was born in Alston, MI on November 11, 1916 to Otto and Hilda (Lindgren) Santti. Bertha graduated from Baraga High School in 1934. On February 4, 1939, Bertha and Hubert Honkala married in Hancock, MI. The couple was blessed with one child, their daughter, Judith. Bertha and Hubert made their home in Michigan except for a period of ten years which was spent in Illinois. Bertha continued there after Hubert passed away in 1994, only moving to Claremore to be near Judith in recent months.

A homemaker and gardener, Bertha loved to cook and cultivate both her flowers and vegetable garden. She was an avid reader and enjoyed working crossword puzzles.

Beloved mother and grandmother, Bertha is survived by her daughter, Judith May and her husband, Bob, of Claremore; her grandson, Daniel May and his wife, Melissa, also of Claremore; her sister, Mary Bohey of Taylor, MI; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by eight sisters, four brothers and her grandson, Norman May.

Funeral services were held in Claremore, Oklahoma at the Rice Funeral Service. Spring burial will take place in the Alston Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home in L'Anse is assisting the family.