Beth Ann Hietala

Beth was born in Waukegan, Ill. to Toivo and Joanie Hietala on August 6, 1960. The family moved to Crystal Falls when she was a teenager, where she later graduated high school. She has lived in Japan and all over the United States, spending most of her life in the Escanaba and Gladstone area. Some of her favorite years were when she had a horse farm in Cornell, where she could often be found in the barn tending to her horses, cats, and rabbits. She loved her kids and grandkids, and homemaking. Her knitted and crocheted creations could be found in many homes, dressing Barbies and babies. As a child, she would make pies for her dad with hard crusts that he’d eat anyway. Her children could expect a homemade chocolate cake on their birthdays. She also enjoyed going to the movies, listening to music, and she was a gifted artist. She was well liked and known for her kindness, headstrong nature, and good sense of humor; she will be sadly missed.

She is survived by her fiance John Murray of Gladstone, children from a previous marriage, Eric Strong of Crystal Falls, Lauren (Adrian) Smith of Menomonee Falls, Anthony (Sarah) Strong of Escanaba, grandchildren Charlotte, Calvin, Vivian, and Isaac, mother Joanie Hietala of Crystal Falls, brother Don (Jennifer) of Highland, and numerous relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Toivo Hietala of Crystal Falls, and several aunts and uncles.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 5 at Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls at 1 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Pastor DJ Rasner will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations in Beth’s name may be made to Delta Animal Shelter. 6975 County Road, 426 M5, Escanaba, MI 49829

Condolences to the family of Beth Ann Hietala may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with arrangements.