May Elnore Alanko

In loving memory of May Elnore Alanko, a native of Ashtabula, Ohio.

May was born on November 4, 1936 and after a long illness, passed away on June 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. 

She was a lifelong resident of Ashtabula, Ohio and a 1954 graduate of Ashtabula High School.

May shared 68 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Paul Alanko. They were honored to be the first couple married in the new Bethany Lutheran Church in October of 1955.

She was a 25-year employee of the Ashtabula Rubber Company. In 2001, May and her husband called Gulf Shores, Alabama home after years of being “snowbirds”.

May is survived by her husband, Paul Alanko; her children, Ann (Mark) Narciso and Dean Alanko and leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Erin, Alisha, Nicole, and Eric.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Urho Alanko.

May was a woman of many talents and loved to plan and organize events from supporting elementary school pancake suppers, high school wrestling matches, to neighborhood picnics and potlucks. No job was too small or big for May to jump in and take charge. She was a dedicated Girl Scout leader for 12 years and served as a member of the Lake to River Girl Scout Council for 4 years. May was an active member of the fellowship and other committees at both Bethany Lutheran Church in Ashtabula and St. Andrews by the Sea in Gulf Shores.

May loved to travel and planned family vacations to all 48 continental United States. After retirement, she planned adventurous vacations for her and Paul. Over the years their travel took them to China, Africa, New Zealand, and multiple European countries including an RV trip to Finland. May and Paul’s last trip was to the coast of South America to see the penguins.

May developed a passion for genealogy research and became a member of the Daughter's of the American Revolution.  She served her local DAR Chapter in many leadership roles and went on to serve the Alabama State Society DAR as State Registrar. May belonged to local genealogy research societies in southern Alabama and published two family history books.

May’s legacy will shine bright in the hearts and memories of those who had the privilege to know her.  May she find eternal peace in the heavens above, surrounded by the love she so fiercely shared during her time on earth.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 10:00a at Fleming and Billman Funeral Home, 49 West Jefferson Street in Jefferson, Ohio. Immediately following the service, she will be laid to rest at Ridgeview Cemetery in Ashtabula.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to St. Andrews by the Sea, P.O. Box 2385, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36547.

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

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