Ely Twp,- Barbara E. Juntila, age 73 of 9755 Co. Rd. 496 Ishpeming (Ely Twp), passed away suddenly, Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at the Bell Hospital in Ishpeming.


Barbara was born September 2, 1937 in Ishpeming to Matt & Saimi (Korpi) Helsten. Barb graduated from National Mine High School, class of 1955, and married Sulo, her high school sweetheart that same year. Barb worked at the National Mine Post Office, Peninsula Bank and for 20 years worked as a juvenile court registrar for Marquette County. Following retirement Barb was a foster parent for teenage girls.


Barb enjoyed crafting, crossword puzzles, and eating at the 41 Steakhouse every Friday night. She and Sulo enjoyed traveling to Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Mexico, Hawaii, the Bahamas', Finland and other warm places during the UP winters. Barb also enjoyed gatherings at camp on Little Perk Lake.


Barb is survived by her husband Sulo, 4 children: JoAnn (James) Manty of Ishpeming, Kurt Juntila of Bark River, Lori (Tim) Rupert of Sand Spring, OK and Dede (Frank) Caplett of Forney, TX, 4 grandchildren: Adam and Andrew Manty, Kyle (Crystal) Juntila and Kortnie (Mike) Groleau and great granddaughter Morgan Groleau, a brother Randy (Terri) Helsten of Ishpeming, an aunt Eleanor Christian of Ishpeming along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.


As Barb wished, a private service was held for immediate family. An open house gathering will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2010 from 2:00-6:00PM at Barbara and Sulo's house, 9755 Co. Rd. 496 Ishpeming (Ely Township).