Obituary for Myrna Caroline (Kemppainen) Davis

The family of Myrna Caroline (Kemppainen) Davis sadly announces that she passed peacefully on June 7^th in her home. She was 85 years old. Myrna was born on July 5, 1938, in Atlantic Mine, Michigan. She raised her family in Kenton, Ohio, but her true home – where she spent all her summers – was in her childhood home in Atlantic Mine.

She is survived by her four children: Mona (Will) Goble of Parish, NY; Kelly (Tom) Thompson of Beverly Hills, MI; Steve (Merri) Davis of Azulauke, Lithuania; Wendy (James) White of East Liberty, OH; and her brother, Billy (Laurie) Kemppainen of Garden City, MI. She adored her 20 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren (with two more on the way) and was known as “Mummu” by her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William John Davis of Kenton, OH; her parents Rudy and Helen Kemppainen of Atlantic Mine, MI; her beloved sister, Sylvia (Jack) McMahon of Garden City, MI; and her brother, David (Bonnie) Kemppainen of Chesapeake, VA.

Myrna’s heart was in her hands. She was a devoted caregiver. Whatever unraveled she put back together and made it better than it was before. She was an expert seamstress, knitter, and baker. She made fine, handcrafted gifts for loved ones and was involved in years-long charity work with the Knit Wits and Sew-n-Sews (in Kenton, OH) where they made hundreds of items for the Shoe Box Ministry, Angels for the Elderly, and other charities.

In her life Myrna especially loved Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, her grandchildren, and the simple pleasures of family. She had the gift of hospitality and her door was always open to neighbors, friends, family, and even foreign exchange students. She loved her Finnish heritage and passed down many traditions, including the family favorite ritual of sauna.

Full of Finnish sisu (inner strength), she insisted on living independently and was active in her home up to her final days. She found tremendous satisfaction in working with her hands and keeping busy. Her last project was sewing wedding veils for her recently wed granddaughter and great-granddaughters, who served as flower girls. Among other wonderful characteristics, she will be remembered for her welcoming kindness, flourishing green thumb, preparing home cooked meals, and caring for those in her life.

Mummu’s last sentiments were expressing her tender joy in knowing how dearly loved she was by her family and grandchildren. She said, “I am so blessed.” Her family and friends feel the same way about her.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting stoutcrates.com. SCHINDEWOLF-STOUT-CRATES FUNERAL HOME is honored to service the Davis Family.