Arla Sutton, age 74, passed away peacefully after a brave battle with cancer at her home June 24, 2024, surrounded and loved by family. She is now in the loving arms of God and her loved ones previously departed. She was born on September 7, 1950, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to John and Lila Pesola of Brimley, Michigan.
Arla graduated from Brimley High School in 1968, where she enjoyed athletics and cheerleading. After graduation, she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to work and to later marry Jay Lynn Sutton of Raco, Michigan, on October 16, 1971. They settled in South Lyon, Michigan, where they raised three daughters and were happily married for over 53 years. She taught her daughters to be strong, independent, confident, and to find and cherish their own happiness. She worked as a bank teller prior to raising a family and returned to working at Performance Springs in Milford, Michigan, where she eventually retired and was a beloved co-worker to many. Arla was happiest spending time with family and was always behind the camera capturing the special moments she created- especially for her grandchildren and children. She was a loyal caretaker to her family and friends, always putting others first. Her interests and abilities were vast from photographing loved one’s weddings and celebrations, baking, canning, sewing, scrapbooking, camping with her sisters, bowling, and playing cribbage to being the ultimate fan of University of Michigan football and basketball. She moved back to Chippewa County after retirement in early 2023 with plans to enjoy retirement with her husband on their family land in Brimley.
Arla is survived by her three daughters, Tara (Mike) Mann, Cori (Harry) Joseph, and Cassey (Todd) Sutton-Kolodziejczak; six grandchildren, Jorie, Mikey, Conner, Sydney, Gabriel, and Mason; siblings, Karen (Tom) Sutton-Boger, Randy (Jo Ellen) Pesola, Jason (Lynda) Pesola, and a large extended family and friends, including life-long friends Susan Sherlund, Terri Yerman, and Robin Guthrie. She easily befriended many along her life journey and her kindness, inclusion, laughter, and humor will be missed.
Arla was preceded in death by her godson, Scotty Sherlund; special aunt, Violet Edward; parents, John and Lila Pesola; grandson, Findley Jay Sutton and sister, Linda Curtis.
A small private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
