Alma E. Wirkkala

Rosburg resident Alma E. Wirkkala, 88, a 76 year resident of Wahkiakum county, died in Cathlamet on February 13, 2011. Born of Finnish/Swedish parents on January 12, 1923 in Ewen, Michigan, Alma moved with her family to Rosburg in 1935 where she attended Riverside grade school.

Alma married Walter Wirkkala in 1942 and became a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. A woman of strong Christian faith, she was active in various capacities at Valley Bible Church in Rosburg. She enjoyed being a homemaker and was known for her baking, canning and gardening skills. Alma was also an excellent role model to many and enjoyed activities at the Rosburg Hall.

Survivors include her daughter Joan Carroll of Omaha, Nebraska; son Robert Saari of Rosburg; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her 11 siblings and her husband of 59 years who died in 2001.

Memorial service will be February 17, 2011, 2 p.m. at Valley Bible Church with a reception following. Family graveside rites will precede the service at Seal River Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Valley Bible Church in care of Penttila’s Chapel by The Sea, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. Her guestbook is available at http://www.penttilaschapel.com.