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 family moved from the family homestead in 1957 to manage Weber Cranberry Acres in Manitowish Waters. Charles and Lillian managed the operation for 19 years, before retiring to their new home on Alder Lake. While living there, Lillian enjoyed lengthy twice-daily swims, extending the season well beyond the comfort level of most individuals. She especially enjoyed the large family gatherings that filled her house for the holidays and other special occasions.

In later years, she found great pleasure connecting with her many friends at the Soda Grill in downtown Manitowish Waters. She was active in the Manitowish Waters Community Church, serving as an Elder on the Session and participating in numerous other church activities. She was also a member of the Manitowish Waters Lionettes.

She is survived by all of the children she raised, Charles (Hester) Rayala, of Manitowish Waters; Donald (Janice) Rayala, of Manitowish Waters; Audrey Rayala, of Rhinelander; Michael (Sherry), of Woodruff; Jerome (Paula) Rayala, of Woodruff; Martin Rayala, of Wilmington, Del.; Carolyn (Robert) Kovar, of Manitowish Waters; Bonnie Diehl, of Basking Ridge, N.J.; Lisa (Phil) Schobert, of Stevens Point, and Tari (Patrick Kohlin) Rayala, of Duluth, Minn. She is further survived by 24 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; half sister, Vienna Seppala; half brothers, Arthur Ruha and Toivo Ruha; sister, Jennie Osterhoudt; and brothers, Henry Nissila, Andrew Nissila, Samuel Nissila and Mathew Nissila.

A memorial service will be held at the Manitowish Waters Community Church on March 12, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Chips Paulson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Manitowish Waters Community Church.

Bolger Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family, 715-356-3200 or visit, bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.