Ishpeming - Sheila A. Sihtala, age 55, of 230 Copper St. Ishpeming, passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at her home.

Sheila was born in Cherry Point, NC on May 6, 1965, a daughter of the late Verna (Moilanen) and Gordon Lehtola. She moved to West Ishpeming in her youth and was a graduate of Westwood High School, Class of 1983.  Sheila furthered her education by briefly attending the University of Michigan and transferring to Northern Michigan University where she received her bachelor's degree and master's degree in special and elementary education.

Her teaching career began in Ontonagon in 1988, She then taught in Greenwood, WI and at the Potawatomi Center in Harris, MI; prior to being hired locally by the NICE School district.  While at NICE she taught in the Special Education Dept. for 13 years prior to moving to the Classroom and was currently teaching fourth grade at Aspen Ridge School.  Sheila genuinely loved teaching and touched many young lives throughout her career. Sheila was a member of the Michigan and National Education Associations. In her spare time Sheila loved reading, looking for agates on Lake Superior and spending time camping.

Sheila is survived by her husband Michael P. Sihtala of Ishpeming, whom she married in November of 1989; two sons - Jesse M. Sihtala and Kyle R. Sihtala both of Ishpeming; a brother, Gordon (Karen) Lehtola of Moscow Mills, MO; niece Bridget Seelen; nephews Kevin (Tricia) Brangar and Bradley Koski, great nieces and nephews - Kaitlyn Seelen, Alexa Davis and Wil Brangar; father-in-law Robert Sihtala and sister-in-law Lynn Sihtala to whom she was a caregiver up to the time of Sheila's passing; and aunt Judy Schuster.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Verna Lehtola; sisters - Carol Brangar and Sandy Koski; brother Rick Pietila, mother-in-law Margaret Sihtala.

Due to the current COVID19 restrictions, a private memorial service will be held, with a public celebration of her life to be held at a later date.

The family requests memorial donations be directed to the Aspen Ridge School, Fourth Grade Class, 350 Aspen Ridge School Rd., Ishpeming, MI 49849 in memory of Sheila.

Sheila's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkansdzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

To listen to Sheila's service click here .