Lampi, Laina M. (nee:Kehus) March 20, 2011. Age 96.

Born Laina Maria Kehus in Tapiola, MI in 1914, she was the 4th child of Henry and Ida Kehus. Laina attended the Doelle School in Tapiola and graduated from Houghton High School in 1934. She was the first in her family to graduate.

After graduation, Laina moved to Detroit where she was immediately hired by Burrough's Throughout her working life, she was also employed by Vicker's, Stanley Home Products, and Grand Trunk Railroad.

Upon moving to Detroit, Laina met Martin Lampi, whom she married on November 19, 1938. They had three children. Milton was born in 1939, and sadly passed in 1942. She then had Sandra and Paul. In 1963, she was once again struck with tragedy as her husband died at the age of 56. Later in her life, Laina moved to Clawson, MI and she was blessed to have 2 grandchildren, Jacqueline Scheel and Kyle Lampi. Upon turning 90, she decided to move to Las Vegas, NV where she resided until her death.

She was proud to uphold her family's tradition of weaving, and she has passed along the tradition to numerous members of her family. Laina has been instrumental in keeping this folk art alive through seminars and articles. She was honored with the prestigious Michigan Heritage Award for her hard work and dedication to her weaving. She has also received several awards for individual rungs and pieces she has crafted.

Laina was also very active in many areas of the community. She was a member of Northwest Trinity/Gracious Saviour Lutheran Church in Detroit, MI and Trinity Lutheran in Clawson, MI. She was a charter member of the Finnish Cultural Center in Farmington Hills, MI and was active in their FinnWeavers group. Laina also supported the Finlandia Women's Organization and the Scandinavian Symphony Women's Organization. Very proud of her Finnish heritage, she strove to keep in touch with her community, and even her family back in Finland.

Family was very important to Laina. She was exceedingly proud of her children and grandchildren, but she also treasured her brothers and sisters and her numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceeded in death by all of her siblings, George, Julia, Henry, Einard "Edu", Hilia, John Arthur "Archie", Elmi, Selma, and Pauline.

Laina was a beautiful woman who was very dearly loved by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at the John N. Santeiu and Son Funeral Home, 1139 Inkster Rd., Garden City, Michigan on Saturday April 16. Visiting will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m. Donations may be made to the Finnish Center Association, 35200 W. 8 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48335.