Aune Ingrid Elvira (Aukee) McClellan, 97, was born in Ironwood, MI, on November 22, 1924 and passed away peacefully at Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, California on December 13, 2021.

Aune was the eighth born to her Finnish parents and grew up in Ironwood. In her early years, she helped her mother with many duties and chores required of being raised in a large family. After high school, she moved to Berkeley, CA with her brother, Esko, during World War II, Aune attended business school and began working at Lucky Supermarket in Oakland, CA where she met her husband, Billy Joe (Red) McClellan. Aune and Red were married nearly 54 years before she became a widow in 2008.

Aune was a proud Finnish woman, full of Sisu and enjoyed spending time with people, especially her family. She took joy in being a mother, loving grandmother, and aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Her favorite pastimes were ballroom and couples dancing, cooking, canning and baking, bargain hunting, spending time lakeside and swimming, and taking a sauna on her many visits to the UP of Michigan where she was raised. She is remembered by many for her sweet and cheerful spirit.

Aune was preceded in death by her parents, Franz and Hulda Aukee; brothers, Toivo, Wilho, Lauri, Arvo, and Esko; sisters, Edna, Esther and Norma; and grandson, Stan Silvers. Aune leaves behind her loving daughters, Saundra (Roger) Davis, Tami Nickolauson, and JoAnne (Tim) Roberts; nine beloved grandchildren; 20 dear great-grandchildren; loving brothers Rev. Henry Aukee and Dr. Waino (Carolyn) Aukee; and Sharon Forlines who she loved like a daughter; and will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

A private graveside funeral was held on December 20, 2021 at Lakewood Cemetery in Hughson, CA.

Remembrances may be made to Alexander Cohen Hospice House, 2201 Euclid Ave., Hughson, CA 95326 or a charity of choice in her memory.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) Leader

Dec. 14, 202