Lenore Marie Ojala, age 90, of 10343 Ackley Street, Rapid River, died Saturday evening August 16, 2008, at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers.

Lenore was born, May 5, 1918, in Escanaba, the daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Ames) Rushford. Lenore was raised in Rapid River and attended and graduated from the Rapid River High School. Following school, Lenore went on to work at the local grocery store, in Rapid River, and in addition, she was united in marriage to Edwin Nelson. Together Lenore and Edwin gave birth to two sons, Darryl and Thomas, before Edwin’s untimely death, early in their marriage. Lenore eventually was united in marriage to Reino Ojala at the Congregational Church in Rapid River. Lenore and Reino made their home and began their family, giving birth to two daughters, Betty and Sandra, in Rapid River. Throughout her life, Lenore worked primarily as a homemaker. She also worked, throughout the years, for Pike’s Grocery, Morin’s Grocery and Besse Forest Products. Lenore was a member of the Congregational Church in Rapid River. She belonged to the Rapid River American Legion Auxiliary Post #301, volunteered at the Congregational Church Bazaars and enjoyed gardening, canning vegetables and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors include:

1 Son: Darryl “Chum” (Bonita) Nelson of Ensign, MI

2 Daughters: Betty (Jim) Tafoya of Albuquerque, NM; Sandra Ojala of Rapid River, MI

1 Sister: Gail (Robert) Corbett of Normal, IL

Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephew and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Joseph and Charlotte, Lenore was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin and her husband, Reino:

1 Son: Thomas Nelson

2 Brothers: Stanley and Jack Rushford

2 Sisters: Mary Jane Rushford and Doris Roberts

Lenore’s family will receive friends on Wednesday from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at the Congregational Church in Rapid River. Funeral services celebrating the life of Lenore Marie Ojala will follow visitation, at 1:00PM, at the Congregational Church, with Pastor William Rafuse officiating. Luncheon will continue in the Rapid River Congregational Church Fellowship Hall. Committal will follow in the Rapid River Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Ojala family with arrangements.