It is with great sadness that the family of Taimi Ranta, of the Golden Age Manor in Emo, Ont., announce her passing Friday, July 12, 2002.
She was born Sept. 27, 1914 in Potts Township, Ont. to the late Martti and Katri Pietila. Taimi lived in the Finland, Ont. area most of her life. She very much enjoyed dancing and music, and had at times during her youth sung at the Finn Hall.
She was married to Aaro Ranta, and their daughter, Dorothy, was born in December, 1932. Later, and for many years, Taimi along with Arnie Luoto operated the Dew Drop Inn on the highway at Finland.
Knitting and rug-making was a passion of Taimi’s, which she loved doing for family and friends. She always kept track of her family, and loved friends to stop and visit. She was considered a good listener and conversationalist by her family and friends.
She was predeceased by four brothers, Eino, Urho (Bill), Jusi (John), and Uno; and four sisters, Anni Juhala, Vieno Matikka, Tyne Kivari, and Maime Loveday.
Taimi is survived by her daughter, Dorothy and husband, LaVerne (Pete) Randall, of Kankakee, Ill.; three grandchildren, Diana Randall of Orlando, Fl., Larry Randall of Kankakee, Ill., and Mark Randall of Finland, Ont.; two great-grandchildren, Sherry Randall and Michelle Randall; and one great-great-grandson, Aiden Randall.
She also is survived by her many beloved nieces and nephews; as well as two sisters-in-law, Hazel Pietila and Dorothy Pietila, and brother-in-law, Chris Loveday.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at 10:30 a.m. at the Off Lake Covenant Church in Finland, with Rev. Eileen Bragg officiating.
Interment will take place in Finland Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 15, 2002 from 7 until 8 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ont., and also prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be Mark Randall, Ted Brown, George Gallinger, Martin (Sonny) Pietila, Fred Brown, and Charlie Kivari.
Honourary pallbearers will be Larry Randall and Joe Parris.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to La Verendrye General Hospital Continuing Care Unit, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.