Ely Township, MI- Grace C. Saari, age 86, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Mill Creek Assisted Living Community memory care unit while in the loving care of her family, the staff at Mill Creek, and UP Home Health & Hospice.

Grace was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on October 18, 1936, a daughter of the late Raymond E. and E. Elizabeth (Schaffer) Johnson. She graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1954.

Grace learned her love for making pasties while working at Madelyne's Pasty Shop while in high school. Through the years her pasties were enjoyed by her family and friends. Grace then worked as a desk clerk at the Mather Inn until she started her family. When her children started school she went to work as a dental assistant and office manager for the Dr. C.J. Carlyon dental practice.

Grace was an active lifelong member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday School Teacher for many years. She was an active member of the Westley Crafters, were she assisted in making lap quilts for members who could no longer attend church.  She was a 4-H leader where she taught the middle school kids how to knit (even her son Scott), and a Girl Scout Leader for many years. Grace enjoyed sewing, knitting, and beading. She was an excellent cook, baker and made the best pasties. Grace taught quilting for NICE Community schools for many years. She has blessed her family with hundreds of beautiful hand stitched keepsakes.

She and Ken enjoyed time spent at camp on Lake Michigamme, their favorite pontoon ride involved looking for bald eagles. One of her favorite stories at camp was when two moose swam across the lake. She loved when her family came out to spend time with her at camp.

Grace was instrumental in organizing the Johnson Family Reunion and was the CEO for 20 years. The first reunion had 196 family members attending.  With 11 siblings specific color shirts were assigned to each family so we would know which family they belonged to. Her grandchildren, nieces and nephew's looked forward to playing games and winning prizes and cash.

Grace is survived by her husband Kenneth Saari, they just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on June 22, four children; K.C. Saari of Champion, Scott Saari of Avon Lake, OH, Becki (Al) Nylander of Champion and Grace (Brian) Lahtela of Green Bay, WI, grandchildren; Eric Saari, Jessica Laymance, Jennifer (Jamie) Peachman, Kevin Saari, Patrick (Lori) Nylander, Adam (fiancée Anna Baldini) Nylander, Dylan Lahtela, Taylor Lahtela, Paige Lahtela, great grandchildren; Hailey, Dakota, Madison, Devyn, Morgan, Madison, 2 great great grandchildren; Eldon and Eleanor, two sisters; Joan Solka and Marianne (Dave) French, a brother Robert Johnson, sister-in-law Alice Johnson, brother in law Art Dixon along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Grace was preceded in death by her Parents, infant son Joseph Paul Saari five sisters: Beverly (Donald) Magnuson, Judith Dixon, Betty (Theodore) Pepin, Shirley (Herbert) Kelly, Jeanette (Doug) McNeil, two brothers, Raymond (Ruth) Johnson, and Clarence "Bucky" Johnson, sister-in-law Marlene Johnson, brothers-in-law Andrew Solka and Fred Nault.

Grace's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming where her funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon with Pastors Robert Freysinger and D. Michael Carriere to officiate.

A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Grace's grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to the Endowment Fund at Wesley United Methodist Church 801 Hemlock St. Ishpeming, MI 49849 in Grace's memory.

The Saari family would like to thank the Eastwood Nursing Center staff and the staff at Mill Creek Assisted Living memory care unit for the wonderful care provided to Grace.

Grace's complete obituary can be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.