Verna M. Oja

GWINN — Verna Marie Oja, 50, of Gwinn, died unexpectedly, Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, at her home.

She was born Aug. 28, 1957, in Escanaba, a daughter of John and Theresa (Carigan) Benz. Verna attended Gwinn High School and was a 1976 graduate.

On July 27, 1973 she married John Oja in Escanaba.

Verna was employed as a clerk at Wal-Mart in Marquette.

She enjoyed making jewelry, collecting bells and butterflies and traveling, especially to Disney World.

She is survived by her husband, John Oja of Gwinn; daughter, Karen (Donald) Sarasin of Winter Haven, Fla.; stepdaughter, Tammy Oja of Menominee; father, John Benz of Cornell; grandchildren, Makenzie and Cameron Sarasin of Winter Haven, Fla.; and step-grandchildren, Paul Swenor of Marquette and Tyler LaCombe of Menominee; siblings, Diana Dausy of Escanaba, Joanne (Dan) Cass of Cornell, Frederick (Terri) Benz of Tacoma, Wash., Susan Porath of Owtana, Minn. and Donna Benz of Gwinn; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother and a brother, Edward Benz.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home.

Funeral services will follow at 5 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Ronald Libey officiating.

A luncheon will immediately follow at the First Baptist Church of Gwinn, 195 N. Billings St., Gwinn.

Verna’s obituary can also be viewed at www.canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance in her guestbook.