Obituaries

Longtime Newberry resident Auna Mae Kirkpatrick, 93, died Saturday evening, September 12, 2026, at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.

Auna Mae was born March 25, 1933, in Newberry, the daughter of the late Toivo and Ethel (Stevens) Aho. She graduated from Newberry High School, and on May 12, 1954, Auna Mae married Gordon Wesley Kirkpatrick in Newberry.

Auna Mae lived in Lincoln Park and Taylor, Michigan, where she was a homemaker and raised her daughters. Later in life, she worked as a real estate agent for Red Carpet; her vivacious nature made her well-suited to working with the public. In the early 2000s, Auna Mae returned to Newberry, where she had made her home ever since.

Auna Mae was a gifted artist, particularly talented in painting. She took great joy in sharing her artwork with family and friends, often giving her paintings as cherished gifts. Her creativity and generosity brought beauty and special memories to those around her.

Her creativity and generosity brought beauty and special memories to those around her.

In addition to her parents, Auna Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, on September 12, 1986, and her brother, Melvin Aho.

Survivors include her daughters, Linda (Rodney) Thomas of Cornell and Terre Kirkpatrick of Gwinn; grandchildren, Meagan Schinella of Tecumseh and Trevor (Kristina) Bray of Negaunee; great-grandchildren, twin toddlers Thalia and Ila Bray; close cousins Marvin (Elaine) Aho of Grosse Ile, Michigan, and Jean Routhier of Loveland, Colorado; and special friends Jean Cameron, Diane McMullin, and Laura Willis, who provided care and joy in her final years, as well as her beloved Yorkie, Baby.

Per Auna Mae's request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends celebrating Auna Mae's life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be shared at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.