Ishpeming-Elaine Savala, age 85, formerly of 225 Stoneville Rd. passed away Friday morning, March 21, 2008 under the loving and wonderful care of the Lake Superior Hospice at the Marquette Medical Care Facility where she had resided for the past month.

Elaine was born August 20, 1922 in Negaunee, the daughter of the late Richard and Mae (Mitchell) Rice. Elaine lived locally until 1941 when she moved to Detroit. She resided in Detroit until 1953, when she moved back to this area. She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Elaine enjoyed playing Yahtzee with her grandchildren, bowling in her earlier years and playing Bingo. She also loved to cook, especially making pasties and saffron.

Survivors include her son: Douglas (Yvonne) Savala of Charlotte, MI, daughter: Nancy (Jack) Luukkonen of Grand Ledge, MI, sisters: Elizabeth Trewhella of Marquette, MI, Geri (William) Kipling of Ishpeming, MI, brother: William (Alice) Rice of Ishpeming, MI, 8 Grandchildren: Richard Savala, Teri (Kim) Walters, Cynthia (George) Marsh, Sandra (Brad) Boyce, Jack Luukkonen Jr., Dennise (Jeff) Herweyer, Dave (Carol) Luukkonen, Valerie Luukkonen, 16 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. Elaine is preceded in death by her husband: Reuben Savala on September 23, 1993 along with Richard, Donald, Lowell Rice, Rhoda Pelto, and Marian Maki.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00PM, Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11:00AM until the time of service at 1:00PM. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to UPCAP Services, the Ishpeming Senior Center, the staff at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility, especially Tina, the Lake Superior Hospice and her best friend and caretaker Donna Richards for years of loyal and faithful service and companionship.