Evelyn Elizabeth Maki

Evelyn E. Maki, 92, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Caretel Inns in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, April 7, 2017, at Saron Evangelical Lutheran Church, 510 Main Street, St. Joseph with Pastor Joan Oleson officiating.  Visitation with family and friends will be at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home in St. Joseph on Thursday, April 6, from 5 PM until 7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Saron Evangelical Lutheran Church and the American Cancer Society. Those wishing to sign Evelyn’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Evelyn was born August 28, 1924 in Kingston, MN to William & Jennie (Wiisanen) Ruotsinoja. She attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN and received her Bachelors in Medical Technology. In October 1946, she married Clinton Maki and together they raised five children. Evelyn was deeply proud of her Finnish ancestry and devoted to its traditions. Evelyn was a spirited volunteer in her community.  Her heart and hands were devoted to Saron Lutheran Church, Homes for Berrien County Families (Berrien Homes), Lakeland Health, Lutheran Church Women, Monday Musical Club and many other organizations.  She especially cherished family reunions at Sunset Lake, Iron River, MI and in Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Evelyn is survived by her children Kristine Maki of South Bend, Alison Rasmussen of South Bend, Philip (Loni) Maki of St. Joseph and J. Mark Maki of South Bend; daughter-in-law Leeann (Bruce) Bartz of Benton Harbor; grandchildren Erik and Jennie Rasmussen, Benjamin and Kathrin Maki and Courtney (R.J.) Lambert; great-grandchildren Jonah and Millie Lambert; sister Elsie Soderberg of Roseburg, OR; sister-in-law Mae Ruotsinoja of Minneapolis, MN and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Clinton in 1983, son David Maki in 2010, sister Marian Olson and brother Arnold Ruotsinoja.