Betty Ruth Oberlander

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Betty Ruth Oberlander, 94, passed away on March 2, 2019, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital in Ironwood.

Betty was born on March 13, 1924, to Emil and Esther (Freberg) Baron and grew up with five siblings in Montreal, Wis. She graduated from J. E. Murphy High School in Hurley.

She married George Oberlander after his return from the service in World War II and settled in Ironwood in 1946. Betty and George had two children, Susan and George. Betty was a stay-at-home mom until 1965. She attended Gogebic Community College and studied office practices. In 1965, she joined the office staff at the medical practice of Dr. Florian Santini and remained a part of that organization for 35 years until retirement in 2000 at age 78.

Over the years she enjoyed friends, card club, knitting, shopping (of course) and many years as the cookie master for her family, especially the grandkids. Betty was very family focused and provided many years of highly dedicated support for her brother, Tommy, and her mother, Esther, throughout their extended stay at the Villa Maria Nursing Home in Hurley.

Her affiliation with Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood was very important, and she listened to the Sunday radio broadcast service when it was difficult to attend. Christmas with family at Salem was very special to her. Salem's outreach to administer communion in her home was very much appreciated.

After retirement, she hosted an almost daily coffee club for friends at her home until her passing. Summers would find her enjoying friends and family on the front porch.

Surviving Betty are her daughter, Susan (Alan) Levijoki; son, George (Sue) Oberlander; grandchildren, Steve (Cathy) Levijoki, Chris Levijoki, Jillian Cessna and Adam (Sophia) Oberlander; great-grandchildren, Jackson Levijoki and Bennett Cessna; brother, Lee (Laverne) Baron, sister-in-law, Polly Baron; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; and brothers, James, Thomas, Robert and Carl.

Cremation has taken place in accordance with Betty's wishes.

A celebration of her life will be held July 6 at Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

Special thanks to Mary Saari for her dedicated help and caring. Betty also very much appreciated the help and friendship of David Coleman, Kathy Jordan, Bonnie Sokolowski, Ray Ojito and Roberta Holms.

Contributions may be made to the Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family. For more information or to give online condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.