Joy Arlene Rautio, of Gaylord, passed away Monday, April 3, 2017 at the age of 83.
Joy was born on June 6, 1933 to William Richard Hutchins and Lena Graves Hutchins (Bitter) in Mio, MI. She later married Charles Rautio on April 16, 1954, and the pair spent just shy of 63 years together in marriage. The youngest of seven children, Joy grew up with a great appreciation for family and for the care that was instilled by them all. As a result, she maintained this love throughout her life, showing the same love to the family she raised and the friends and neighbors she cared for. In addition to helping others, Joy liked music, birdwatching, gardening, camping, and needlework. She also was a member of Gaylord’s Evangelical Free Church and of the Kitchen Band that performed for Alpenfest and for nursing homes—she played piano. Above all, though, she enjoyed being a mother and caregiver for those around her.
Joy is survived by her husband, Charles Wayne Rautio; children Kathryn Renee Rautio and C. Jeffrey (Mary Kunkler) Rautio; and grandchildren Alexander Jeffrey and Kathryn Patricia Rautio. She is preceded in death by her parents William and Lena Hutchins; her five sisters and one brother.
Services for Joy will be held at the Gaylord Evangelical Free Church on Friday, April 7 at 10am. Visitation will take place at Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord on Thursday, April 6 from 4 to 7 and at the Gaylord Evangelical Free Church on Friday, April 7 from 9 until the time of services.
Contributions in Joy’s memory can be made to the Gaylord Evangelical Free Church.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
10 comments on “Rautio, Joy”
Dearest Kathy,
As you know you are in our thoughts and prayer.
Love G & Gi
Wonderful memories of Chuck and Joy’s, always enjoyed our Christmas Eve visits. Thank You for being such a wonderful family friend!
Although Joy has walked on to join the Lord she will be ever present in our memories and as we speak of her good deeds. We have been blessed to have the entire Rautio family as friends. We wish the family continued love, peace and good health. / The Madagame Tribe
Joy will be welcomed in heaven with open arms, but so desperately missed here on earth. Love to Charles, Kathy, Jeff and the rest of the family. I treasure my memories of this glorious woman!
Our hearts go out to the whole Rautio family. Joy always had a smile and a chuckle. She will be remembered fondly by so many people. May these memories ease your heartache in days to come
Hugs to you all
Charles and Family,
I’m sorry to hear about you losing Joy. She was a unique individual. My daughter, Elizabeth, had many, many nurturing experiences with Joy as her caretaker. She allowed Elizabeth to be herself and kept challenging her to grow.
I think what I loved most about Joy was her laugh. Her genuine, “I Love Life” laugh. It was contagious.
I’m sorry I’m not in the U.S. or I’d be there to hug all of you. Maggie Madagame
Much love to Charles and family. Joy was a joy, always hilarious and always kind. I remember her patience with me as a child, playing scrabble, teaching me how to count to 5 in Finnish, endulging me in whatever little games I wanted to play. I have only happy and nurturing memories of her and I wish I could share them in person as people gather in her memory.
Jeff,and Family, Our deepest condolences to you, and your family,quite a few years since we had contact with each other.Our prayers are with your family at this time.Eternal rest grant upon her oh Lord,let perpetual-light shine upon her..
Wonderful memories of Chuck and Joy’s, always enjoyed our Christmas Eve visits. Thank You for being such a wonderful family friend!
Our hearts go out to the whole Rautio family. Joy always had a smile and a chuckle. She will be remembered fondly by so many people. May these memories ease your heartache in days to come
Hugs to you all