Escanaba, MI- Viola Olive "Vi" Oja, age 91, former Ishpeming resident, currently of 4951 Whisper 18.8 Lane Escanaba, MI, passed away on Friday, September 30, 2022, at UP Health System Marquette.

Viola was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on June 26, 1931, the daughter of the late Swante and Edith (Tuomi) Merrila. Vi graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1949.

Vi was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming and a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Some of Vi's favorite activities included golfing, skiing, bowling, grouse hunting with her dad and husband, playing bridge and more recently playing dominos. She was a care giver to her mother for many years and to her husband Ralph in his final years. Her pride and joy were her daughter and two grandsons. She was proud of their accomplishments and loved them dearly. Vi was also a dog lover.  Her current favorite pup was Merle.

Vi is survived by her daughter, Edie (Bryan LaChapell) Shandonay, of Escanaba; two grandsons; Ethan (Kenzie) Shandonay of Chandler, AZ and Adam Shandonay of Irvine, CA, a niece Rae (Martin) Warner of Negaunee, and former son-in-law Douglas Shandonay of Huntsville, AL. Vi was preceded in death by her parents and husband Ralph Oja.

Vi's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00-11:00 am on Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming where her funeral service will be held at 11:00 am with Rev. Steve Weston officiating.

A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either Bethel Lutheran Church, Memorial Fund at 333 E. Ridge St., Ishpeming, MI 49849, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Memorial Fund, 1230 18 ^th St. N., Escanaba, MI 49829, or your local animal shelter.

The family would like to thank the staff of UP Health System Marquette ICU for their special care during Vi's final hours.

Vi's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.