ESTHER M. LEHTO's Obituary
ESTHER M. LEHTO, age 89, of Baraga passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L'Anse where she had been a patient for a week. She was born in Hancock, MI. on August 19, 1921 the daughter of the late John and Maria (Salo) Ala. Esther graduated from Baraga High School in 1939. On August 30, 1940 she married Donald O. Lehto in Pelkie, MI. Esther was a member of Mission United Lutheran Church, Pelkie, the "Kountry Kuties" Red Hat Society and was a 4-H leader. She and her husband were proud and loving foster parents to over 50 children in their home. Esther enjoyed knitting, making clothes, baking pasties, bread, and raspberry pie. She was known as the "raspberry and tomato lady." Esther especially enjoyed the Lehto Greenhouse which she started.
Mrs. Lehto is survived by her loving husband of 70 years Donald, sons Jack (Lynn) Lehto of Pelkie, and David Lehto and fiancée Debra of Baraga, daughters Barbara (Bob) Davio of Lewiston, MI, E. Jean (Bruce) Laity of Las Vegas, NV, Mary (Larry) Rizak of White Lake, MI, and Kay Lehto of Las Vegas, NV, grandchildren Maryann, Scott, Laura, Mark, Lisa, Aaron, Katrina, Steven, Megan, and 8 great grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews and other family members also survive. She was preceded in death by her 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
A memorial service for Mrs. Lehto was held at 11 am, Saturday, March 19, 2011 from Mission United Lutheran Church, Pelkie with Pastor John Autio officiating. The family received friends at the church on Saturday from 10 am until the time of the service. Spring interment will take place in the Pelkie Cemetery.
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