Wahkiakum Eagle-December 1999 WIRKKALA, Eva Marie (Ahola) Age 89, died in Astoria. She was born in Siikajoki, Finland, the daughter of Kustaa and Hilda Ahola. Her father farmed in Siikajoki. She received her primary education in Finland. Immigrating to Canada as a young lady she settled in Toronto, Ontario where she managed a household for a family and graduated from Bible college. She became an evangelist and co-founded the Bethel Finnish Church in Vancouver, B. C., and later pastured a Finnish church in Butte, Mont. On March 1, 1963 she married Naselle native Albert Wirkkala and they established their home in Naselle. Together they traveled the world spreading the Gospel until retirement. Trips to Florida and Finland were especially enjoyed. She was a member of the Naselle Assembly of God Church, the Rosburg Senior Citizens club and the Friday club of the Naselle Congregation church. She enjoyed being outdoors, was an avid hunter, enjoyed fishing and gardening, entertaining family and friends, playing her guitar and singing. She was known as an excellent cook, and she enjoyed many friendships in the Naselle-Rosburg area where her friendly greeting was known to many. Several years ago she was honored to become a United States citizen in a ceremony held in Seattle. Her husband of 36 years died May 7, 1999. She is survived by a brother, Antero Ahola and sisters, Vieno Laurukainen and Helmi Rehula, all of Finland. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services were Thursday at the Naselle Assembly of God Church. Penttila's Chapel by the Sea, Long Beach, was in charge. Eva Marie (Ahola) Wirkkala Peaceful Hill Cemetery-Naselle, Wa. 24 Sep 1910-22 Dec 1999 (As transcribed by the Wahkiakum County Historical Society 2007 from original newspaper collection.)