Lillian J. Rayala

WOODRUFF, Wis. - Lillian J. Rayala, 97, formerly of Manitowish Waters, died March 8 at Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff.

Lillian was born in South Carey on May 10, 1918, to Andrew and Wilhemina Nissila, both emigrants of Finland. She, along with her parents and seven siblings, were early pioneers of Manitowish Waters, arriving in the year 1928.

She was married to Charles Rayala in 1933 and they moved to a one-room log cabin to begin their family. Nine children were born to the couple, six with the assistance of Dr. Kate Newcomb, affectionately known as the "Angel on Snowshoes."

The fam...