Virginia M. Ahola

Mrs. Virginia M. (Archambeau) Ahola, 88, of Stone Mountain, GA, passed away of natural causes after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease on November 18, 2015. She was born on October 21, 1927, in Munising, MI, to Henry and Myrtle Archambeau and graduated from Mather High School in Munising. In 1946, she married Arthur A. Ahola of Bessemer, MI, and over the years the couple lived with their three daughters in Chicago, IL, Midland, TX, Longview, TX, Irving, TX, West Helena, AR, Overland Park, KS, and Schaumburg, IL, and later in Columbus, IN, Summerville, SC, and White Plains, NY. Virginia was a dedicated homemaker and professional medical transcriptionist. After Art’s passing--also on November 18--in 1981, Virginia moved to Stone Mountain, GA, where her daughters and their families all lived. Not only did Virginia have extensive medical knowledge and skills, but she was also an extremely gifted seamstress and cook. In addition to many, many handmade draperies, wedding dresses, and Halloween costumes, Virginia created excellent needlepoint, crocheted, and knitted items throughout her life. She was always eager to learn and try new things, such as taking powder-puff automotive repair classes. Along with her sons-in-law, Virginia often went to NASCAR races, cheering along with the crowds and enjoying the sights and sounds. She is preceded in death by her parents; five siblings: Ruby Mahalic, Mary Gosselin, Kenneth Prato, Alice Strand, and Richard Archambeau; and her oldest daughter, Sheryl Mays (Grayson Mays). Virginia leaves loving memories to be cherished by her beloved surviving daughters: Janice Ahola (Marvin Jackson) and Beth Ahola (Michael Haupt); three grandchildren: Patrick Mays, Emily Haupt Burkhalter (Craig Burkhalter), and Andrew Haupt (Alexandra Ramirez); and one great-grandchild, Michael Burkhalter. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Salvation Army.