Betty J. Saari

DULUTH, Minn. - Betty J. Saari, 84, a lifelong resident of Erwin Township, Ironwood, Mich., died Sunday, May 10, 2015, at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center Hospice in Duluth, with her loving family by her side.

The former Betty Miller was born Aug. 29, 1930, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Fred and Lucretia (Cramblit) Miller, attended grade school in Erwin Township, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School.

She was employed as custodian and kitchen helper at the K.P. Silberg Grade School in Erwin Township for 10 years and as Deputy Register of Deeds for Gogebic County for 30 years, retiring in 1994.

Betty was a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood, a member of AFSCME-Council 25, Lutheran Women Missionary League, the Erwin Township Community Club, and served as trustee for Erwin Township for 15 years.

She also served on the Gogebic-Iron Wastewater Board. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was married to August Saari and she raised four special children.

Surviving are three sons, Daniel (Deanna), Green Bay, Wis., Dennis (Diane Royals), Ironwood and Florida, and Donald "Butch" (Mary), Erwin Township; a daughter, Diane Cartwright (Darrell), Green Bay; 14 grandchildren, Paul, Denny and Darcie Saari, Christie Saari, Dane and Darin Saari, Jason Saari and Lisa O'Leary, Brad, Ryan and Todd Cavil, Jon Schlais, Casey Herek and Amber Cartwright; 22 great-grandchildren; several nieces, Gail, Marlene, Darlene, Sharon and Debbie; a nephew, Larry Miller; sister-in-law, Martha Moren; and special friends, Dorothy Hagerty, Jerry and Joyce Moren, Pete and Donna Erickson and family, and Robert and Julie Napel and family.

Betty was preceded in death by five sisters, June Susser, Viola May, Dolores Zanetti, Beatrice Miller and twin sister Bernice Miller; three brothers, Lawrence, Glen and Fred Miller; and a wonderful friend, Peter Napel.

Out of respect for her wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 14, 2015, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Kurt Brandon, pastor, officiating.

Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Private committal and interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, E5104 Margaret St., Ironwood, MI 49938.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be given to Betty's family online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

A special heart-filled thank you to Essentia Health St. Mary's NICU and Palliative Care Unit for the loving care they provided.