Marcella "Marcy" Rukkila

Negaunee

Marcella “Marcy” E. Rukkila, age 84, of Negaunee and formerly of Eben Junction, died on Monday, May 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at U.P. Health System – Marquette.  She was born in Eben Junction on January 3, 1932 to the late Leonard and Elvi (Lassila) Wester.  Marcy graduated from Eben High School.  She married Leonard Arnold Rukkila on November 13, 1948 and together they raised their five children.  Leonard’s job with the Michigan State Police brought the family to St. Ignace, Monroe, Wakefield, and Ypsilanti.  Marcy worked in the accounting departments at banks in St. Ignace, Monroe, and Ypsilanti.  After retirement, Leonard and Marcella moved to Eben, Marquette, and Negaunee.  In Ypsilanti, she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  Marcy enjoyed playing cards, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and playing her organ by ear.  She loved to bake and collect recipe books.  Marcy loved her family and although many lived away from her, she always kept track of what was happening with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of over sixty-seven years – Leonard Rukkila of Negaunee; children – Christine (Daniel) Hendrickson of Negaunee, MI, Rodney (Dawna) Rukkila of Fenton, MI, Bruce (Patricia) Rukkila of Houghton, MI, Shelley (Paul) Koski of Grand Chute, WI, and David (Pat) Rukkila of Milan, MI; fourteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; siblings – Jerry Wester of Alger, MI, Jack Wester of Alger, MI, and Karen (Vernon) Perry of Negaunee, MI.  Marcella was preceded in death by her parents and sister Beverly Freeman.

Services will be held at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham on Friday, May 27, 2016.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until noon.  Pastor Paul Kelto will conduct Marcy’s funeral service at 12:00 p.m.  Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham at a later date.

Memorials in Marcy’s name may be directed to the Sion Lutheran Church.