HURLEY, Wis. - Eila Kivi-Thomas, 87, passed away on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation in Hurley.
Eila was born on Sept. 1, 1933, in Iron Belt, to Kaino and Aina (Kangas) Reinikainen. As a little girl she had wonderful memories of Iron Belt and the Kangas family farm. The family moved to Marshfield, where she graduated from high school and also met her future husband, Dick.
Eila loved playing bridge, cross stitching, entertaining family and friends, spending time at Chaney Lake and traveling. After retiring, she was fortunate to spend many winters in Hawaii and Florida.
Faith played a huge part in Eila's life. She was a very active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood. A while back our family did the Five Wishes Workbook, and one message our mom would want to share is this: "I wish for my family and friends to know that I do not fear death itself. It is not the end, but a new beginning for me." Even as her Alzheimer's progressed, she continued to talk about her faith and God.
Preceding Eila in death were her husband, Dick; and second husband, Jim Thomas; and parents and siblings.
Eila is survived by her children, Greg (Gail), Pam (Gene) Moderson and Karen (Mike) Eastwood; her grandchildren, Cory (Mae) Moderson, Ryan (Lauren) Moderson, Eric (Rachel) Kivi, Jeff (Tony) Kivi and Jamie (Chris) Fredrickson; great-grandchildren, Gavin Moderson, Mara and Molly Moderson and Myra Kivi (due in March 2021); sister-in-law, Delores Reinikainen in Florida, and brother-in-law, Ray Eden in Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Eila's caregivers during her final years at Westgate and Villa Maria.
Due to COVID, a celebration of life will be held at a future date at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ironwood.
The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Eila's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.