Armida (Meta) Ellen Maki, 90, of Bruce Crossing and resident at Aspirus Long Term Care, passed away at the Marquette General Hospital on Saturday, September 20, 2014.

She was born March 16, 1924, in Bruce Crossing, daughter of the late Hjalmer and Lempi (Uusitalo) Huhta. Her parents were one of the first settlers on the North Baltimore Road. Armida married Elmer Walter Maki on June 12, 1944 and had five children.

She is survived by her children, Sharon (Jim) Weisinger; Arlene (and the late Lewis) Becks; Daniel (Linda) Maki; Sandra (Bryan) Maki; and Kevin (Debbie) Maki, by grandchildren, Kim, Clint, Kristi, Tanya, Jonathan, Danno, Bruce, Jordy, Luke, Aubre and Aleah, by 14 great-grandchildren, by sister-in-law Eileen Huhta, and by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, brothers Matt and Kenneth, sisters Lillian, Mayme, Senia, Martha, and Lila.

She was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Paynesville. She was a graduate of Ewen High School. In her 50's, she pulled up her bootstraps and attended Gogebic Community College, receiving her Associate's Degree in Arts, May 11, 1979.

Armida was a community leader, serving as a Sunday School teacher, 4-H leader, child-care provider, Cub Scout den mother, classroom aide at the Paynesville School, GOISD student transporter/classroom aide, Ontonagon County tourist volunteer, milker of cows, pulp peeler, cook, baker, pasty maker, bird watcher, gardener, Scrabble and Trivia player, adventurous traveler, and "mayor" of North Paynesville.

Mom, GrammaBoy, Gramma, and friend, you were quite a character. You had a soft touch, well-worn hands, a big heart, and a hearty laugh; and you made your house a home to countless others. Your faithful kind spirit, and SISU were an inspiration to all of us.

You will be sorely missed!

Visitation will be held on Friday evening, September 26th, from 6-8 p.m., at the Cane Bruce Crossing Chapel. The funeral will take place at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Paynesville, on Saturday, September 27th, with the Honorable Judge Roger Kangas, officiating. Visitation from 1-2 p.m. Armida's celebration of life will start @ 2 p.m. Lunch will be served followed by burial at the Hillside Cemetery in Bruce Crossing.

In lieu of flowers, our family would like donations sent to SONCO Ambulance PO Box 191 Bruce Crossing, MI 49912. Mother has said, "SONCO has rescued me many a times. They have all been so good to me, when I needed them. Make sure they get something!"