Obituaries

Karen Lee (Ruona) Bumstead, age 79, of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, passed away on October 13, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family at Hospice of the EUP. She was born on October 31,1945, to Tauno and Alice (Puska) Ruona of Sugar Island, Michigan.

Those of you that are familiar with the Finnish term SISU, know how this was Karen. She rarely showed weakness or sadness. She was strong, funny, spunky, outgoing, social, classy, adventurous, helpful, loyal, and loving. She had a strong sense of purpose and was a conscientious and extremely hard worker. After graduating high school, she attended beauty school to be a hairdresser. She married and started her family in the Detroit, Michigan area, returning to Sault Ste Marie in the late 1970’s. She, Jim, and their three boys built their homestead where she lived until her passing.

Karen cared for her family elders and neighbors, always willing to lend a hand. She was the type of person that could talk to anyone, usually bringing on a laugh or smile. She had a distinctive voice, that you could recognize in a crowd, or at the grocery stores she worked at in the area. Starting her career at the Red Owl in town and retiring from the Co-op in Kinross.

Karen is survived by her son, Danny Bumstead of Sault Ste. Marie; daughter, Linda (Bob) Wojnarowski of Sault Ste. Marie; sister, Sharon Mustonen of Sault Ste. Marie; brother, Lloyd Ruona of Penhook, Virginia; grandchildren, Lacey (Tyler) Gorsuch of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Newell (Tanya) Vierra, and Dennis (Leesa) Vierra of Sault Ste. Marie; great-grandchildren, Clint Gorsuch, Emmett Gorsuch, Bruce Gorsuch, Dylan Gorsuch, Caylee (Adam) Anderson, Lauren (Jake) Clouse, and Travis Vierra; great-great-grandchildren; Wyatt Anderson, Blayke Anderson and Lucia Anderson; her equally spunky Dachshund, Zoey; and she was beloved by her many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her witty banter.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband James “Jim”; sons, Darren Bumstead and Dale Bumstead; daughter, Mary Jane Bumstead; parents, Tauno and Alice Ruona; brother, Keith Ruona; sister, Darlene Ruona, and constant companion, her pup Kenna.

A Graveside Service will be held on her 80th birthday, Friday, October 31 at 1:00 pm at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens, 15264 M-129, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the service at: Soo Twp. Municipal Hall, 639 3 ½ mile Rd, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Karen’s honor to the Hospice of the EUP, 308 W 12th Ave. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.