Mary Ann Wirkkala

Published 8:24 am Tuesday, January 17, 2017

LONGVIEW — Mary Ann Wirkkala, 86, a resident of Longview the past 15 years, died in Longview on Jan. 2, 2017. The only child of Otto and Tekla (Silvola) Keiski, she was born in Raymond, Wash., on Sept. 21, 1930.

As a youth, she moved with her parents to Naselle where she graduated from Naselle High School as valedictorian. Shortly after graduation in 1948 she married Paul Wirkkala.

Mary Ann settled in to her role as wife, homemaker and became mother to four sons. The family resided in the Matt Saari rental until their new residence was constructed. Mary Ann was an integral part of the Naselle community until moving to Longview 15 years ago.

In Longview, MaryAnn was active at the Calvary Community Church. There she was a teacher’s aide at the church pre-school and greatly enjoyed her work there. She never failed to relate to the children and participated in activities whenever called upon.

Mary Ann is survived by her sons, Bruce Wirkkala of Battle Ground, Wash.; Doug Wirkkala of Longview, Greg Wirkkala of Naselle, and Boyd Wirkkala of Nemah; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul.

Graveside rites will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at 1 p.m., at Peaceful Hill Cemetery in Naselle. A memorial service will be at the Calvary Community Church, 2655 38th Ave. in Longview, on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 1 p.m. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.