Martha K. “Judy” Wise, Milton-Freewater, OR, passed away May 23, 2014 at her home at the age of 92 years. Funeral services will be at Bethel Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11 AM, with Pastor Jeff Beazley officiating. Concluding services and interment will be in the Milton-Freewater Cemetery. Martha was born April 9, 1922 in Biwabik, MN, the daughter of Michel and Anna (Kujälä) Pyhälä. She grew up in Embarrass, MN, third youngest of 17 children on a 120-acre working farm (now a Finnish Heritage Museum); she attended local schools there. During WWII, she moved to Seattle, WA and worked at Boeing. She had met Lynn Wise in Seattle and the couple married in Biwabik, MN on June 20, 1944. After Lynn’s service in the Army, they moved to eastern Oregon, then 10 years in Kent, WA, and moving back to Milton-Freewater in 1982. Becoming Christians together in their early thirties gave them true purpose for life. They deeply loved and found great joy in their heavenly Father and their family. Their marriage of nearly 70 years is a testament to the grace of God and their love for each other. “Judy” loved reading and sharing the Bible with Lynn and others. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, writing a daily journal, and writing letters to keep in touch with family and friends. Another great joy in her life was playing with her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Lynn Wise at the home; a son, Gary Wise of Grants Pass, OR; two daughters, Dona LeFore of Milton-Freewater, OR, and Gwyn Christophersen of Puyallup, WA; a sister, Marion Saranpaa of Embarrass, MN; 7 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to Liberty Christian School, Walla Walla, WA.

Published on Munselle Rhodes Funeral Home website.