Claudette Jalkanen

Claudette "Claudia" Madeline Jalkanen (nee Murray), 67, of Vermilion, died Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at her home after a brief illness with cancer. She was born November 7, 1954 in Harlan, KY and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 25 years moving from Lorain. Claudia enjoyed interior painting, restoring furniture, and growing plants. She also enjoyed maintaining her fish aquarium, feeding the birds, and spending time with her family that included her cat, Max and dog, Scooter. She had a strong faith in God and Jesus Christ and read the Bible often. She and her husband, Mark, loved spending time together camping and going to antique stores and flea markets. She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Mark Jalkanen of Vermilion; daughter, April Luther of Vermilion; sons, Craig (Kim) Luther of Westlake and Christopher Luther of Vermilion; step daughters, Emily (Steve) Showalter of Elyria and Erin Jalkanen of North Ridgeville; grandchildren, Joseph, Michael, Valarie, Johnathon, Dahlia, Lana, Grayson, and Scarlet; father, John C Murray of Lorain; brother, Dillard "DJ" (Crystal) Murray, and her sisters, Gail (John) Roos and Cheryl (David) Unger. She was preceded in death by her mother, Alpha (nee Thomas) Murray and her son, Michael Moore. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 from 3-7 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at Upon This Rock Church, 1790 Reid Ave., Lorain, OH 44052. Claudia's brother, Pastor DJ Murray, will officiate. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society Ohio Division Inc., 10501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.