Elaine Edith Johnson Jarvela

Elaine was born October 25th, 1929 in Calumet MI. The daughter of the late Edward and Tillie Luukkonen-Johnson. She was raised in Toivola and attended the local school.

On July 26th, 1948 she married “The love of my life,” her childhood friend and sweetheart, Ernest Lee Jarvela in Thomson Georgia. They had 63 years of marriage and four children.

Her husband, Ernie, was a member of the USAF. They spent 25 years traveling and raising a family; 4 years in Edinburgh Scotland, a year in Chateauroux France, 3 years in Goose Bay Labrador, Canada, and numerous state-side tours. In 1971, Ernie retired from the service and they returned to their home in Toivola, where she resided until her death.

She loved her home in the country and enjoyed being outdoors with nature. She fed the birds and deer and she enjoyed watching them and other animals that frequented “The Farm.” She liked to bake and share her ‘goodies.” The coffee pot was always on. She enjoyed her crossword puzzles and crocheting.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Sandra Jarvela-Scheetz of Hamden, CT, her brother Ronald Jarvela of South Range, her grandsons, Reed Wood of Shreveport LA, Benjamin and Samuel Scheetz of Hamden, CT and her granddaughters, Isabella and Juliet Wood of Shreveport, LA. Elaine is pre-deceased by her parents and grandparents, husband Ernie in 2012, two daughters, Sharon Jarvela and Donna Wood, her son Ernest Jr and her precious grandson, Jacob Scheetz.

Cremation will take place as requested by the deceased. A graveside ceremony is planned for the summer of 2023.

In lieu of gifts, please make donations to either the Toivola Volunteer Fire Department, 41095 Church Rd., Toivola, MI 49965, or the Omega House, 2211, Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931.

To view Elaine’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range has been assisting the family with the arrangements.