Ruth Evelyn “Ruthie” Karkkainen
Escanaba – Ruth Evelyn “Ruthie” Karkkainen, 92, formerly of Escanaba, passed away early Friday morning, July 15, 2022 at Rennes West Health and Rehab Center in Peshtigo, WI. She was born in Stanton Twp. on November 6, 1929, the daughter of Elizabeth Perala and Charles Ruohonen, Ruth was raised in Liminga, MI and graduated from Houghton High School. On May 11, 1951, Ruth married Melvin Karkkainen in Chassell. They were married for almost 60 years. Early in her career Ruth was employed at Northern Michigan Bank as a bookkeeper. She then worked at the Escanaba High School as a teacher’s aide where she enjoyed working with special needs students and teachers, along with spending time in the ISD nursery where she loved to rock the babies. Ruth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved to entertain and her house was always open to all. Those who visited were the beneficiaries of much laughter and delicious recipes. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to attend all of their sporting events, dance recitals, and school or church programs. In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, reading, crafts, and ceramics. Ruth was a very active member of Bethany Lutheran Church where she served on the Altar Guild, Circle, and several other committees.
Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl (Ed) Frawley of Holt, Michigan; sons, Dr. Michael (Tammy Sovey) Karkkainen of Menominnee and Dr. Thomas (Kristina Sachinski) Karkkainen of Fleming Island, FL; six grandchildren, Kevin, Kelsey, Kari, Kaisa, Evelyn and Tommy Karkkainen;six great-grandchildren, Henry, Holden, Amelia, Ashton, Archer and Alana; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin; sisters: Eva, Irene, Ellen, Margaret, Helmi and Ann; brothers, Raymond, Carl, Arthur, and Robert. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 23rd from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St, in Escanaba. The funeral service to follow at 12 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 202 S. 11th St, Escanaba, with Pastor Mike Markwell officiating. The family will receive friends for a luncheon at the Church following the service. A burial service will be held at Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells after the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Melvin H. and Ruth E. Karkkainen Scholarship Fund and sent to the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba, MI 49829. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Renaissance Assisted Living and Rennes West Health Rehab Center staff for the special care they provided to Ruth. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting crawfordfuneralhomes.net.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Karkkainen family.