Jeanette Grace Rinta

Jeanette Grace Rinta, age 85, of Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at her residence with family by her side.

Jeanette was born on November 20, 1938 in Hibbing, Minnesota to Korlis G. and Elma (Torvi) Merriman. She was later adopted by her stepfather, Toivo Maki.

She attended school in Buhl and Virginia. She married Kenneth Kangas on November 24, 1956. Jeanette remarried Harry Rinta on June 25, 1999 in Virginia, Minnesota.

She worked as a personal care attendant for the St. Louis County and Spectrum Healthcare. Jeanette had a special place in her heart for those who were innocent and small, like children and animals. She was a 4-H Leader for over 20 years and a member of the Pike Sandy Women's Club, and the Moose Club.

Jeanette enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, arts and crafts, sewing competitions, being an avid doll and stamp collector, croqueting, and tap dancing.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husbands, Kenneth Kangas and Harry Rinta; special friend, Hank Martineau; her parents, Korlis G. and Elma Merriman; adopted father, Toivo Maki; step father, Oscar Erkkila; twin sister, Janice A. Siebert and sister, Elmo Maki; brother, Clyde Maki; and granddaughter, Jennifer L. Kangas.

Jeanette is survived by her 5 children: Kelly (Arron) Sheffield, Kim (Mike) Peterson, Kerry (Helen) Kangas, Kris (Gordon) Meacham, Kendall (Donna Olgren) Kangas; stepchildren, Dan and Cindy Rinta; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Pearl Leadbetter; brothers: Elwin Maki, Nathan Maki; and numerous other relatives.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Range Funeral Home in Virginia at 1 P.M. with the visitation being held one hour prior. Reverend Jeffrey Jones will be officiating. A luncheon will be held after the service at the Range Funeral Home Fellowship Hall.