WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Dorothy Arlene Latva, age 93, of Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Birch Meadows Senior Care. She was born November 9, 1930 in Wakefield, Mich., the daughter of Frank and Rachel (Maki) Ylkanen and graduated from Wakefield High School with the class of 1948 where she participated in Band.
She was a faithful volunteer of Borgess Hospital delivering flowers for more than 40 years, where she made many close friendships, especially Candy, Vina, and Carol. She also assisted her husband in running Latva Tax Service. On August 12, 1950 Dorothy married Raymond W. Latva in Wakefield. They were married until Raymond’s passing in 2009. They enjoyed traveling by train, family gatherings, riding bikes, walking Spring Valley Park and ice skating, and especially trips to the western Upper Peninsula to reconnect with their Finnish roots. She was a member of Lutheran Church of the Savior in Kalamazoo where she sang in the choir. She was a person who was loved by everyone she met.
Remaining to cherish her memory are three sons Dr. Darrell (Patricia) Latva, Mark (Vickie) Latva, and Tim (Anne Dybek) Latva; grandchildren Jim, Dr. Ashley (Dr. Nick), Justin (Dina), Nathaniel, and Juliette; great-grandchildren Belle, Violet, and one expected in May. Brother David (Vicki) Ylkanen, special nephews Eric (Shannon) Ylkanen, and Scott (Nikki) Ylkanen, several nieces, a nephew, great nieces and great nephews, several cousins, and her best friend of over 70 years, Delores Jennings. Also her grand dogs Cable Ray, Scout & Poppy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Raymond Latva; and sister and brother in law Doris (Earl) Maki.
The family wishes to thank Centrica Care Navigators and the staff at Birch Meadows for the compassionate care given in her final days.
Private family services will be held. She will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in the summer of 2025.
Donations in Dorothy’s memory may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, or Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County, P.O. Box 593, Centreville, MI 49032. Envelopes will be available at Hohner Funeral Home.
