Ruth M. Walimaa
Negaunee
Ruth Margaret Walimaa, 98, of 153 Sunset Dr., Negaunee, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, June 16, 2016 at UP Health System Marquette in the loving care of her family.
Ruth was born September 23, 1917 in Negaunee to William and Edith (Olver) Hampton, attended Negaunee schools and was a lifelong Negaunee resident. She married George ‘Deitch’ Walimaa on November 5, 1934 at Mitchell United Methodist Church, and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage together.
Mrs. Walimaa was a devout and active member of Mitchell United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent for many years, belonged to the United Methodist Women, and was also a member of the Epworth Fellowship for many years. She was also a member of a local women’s bowling league.
Ruth was employed as a sales clerk at Ben Franklin for many years. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed all sports. In her free time, she enjoyed knitting and crocheting and working crossword puzzles.
Surviving are her four daughters: Carol (Bob) Johnson of Negaunee, Jean Lund of Cheyenne, WY, Suzanne (Bill) Verhelst of Chesaning, and Lynn Potila of Negaunee; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband George in 2003; her son George Walimaa, Jr. in 1962; two sons-in-law: Fred Lund in 1990 and Dennis Potila in 2014; and five brothers and one sister.
Ruth was a wonderful blessing to her family and was loved lotsu lotsu!!
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Eastwood Nursing Center for their compassionate care.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm on Monday, June 20th at Mitchell United Methodist Church with Rev. Douglas Mater and Rev. Bill Verhelst officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the church on Monday, and also at a dinner reception in the church hall immediately following services. Ruth’s grandsons and a nephew will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Mitchell United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Walimaa’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.

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