Ina was born in Fort William, Ontario on May 3, 1927, to Otto and Julia Ranta.
Attended school in Hornepayne, Ontario and later attended Business College in Fort William.
She was employed as a legal secretary for A.A. Kajander Q.C. for many years and for the firm of Sieman Kajander and Blanchard and Associates for a further 30 years until her retirement in 1992.
Ina especially enjoyed Real Estate work particularly searching titles, executions, etc., and closing deals.
She was a kind and generous person and fiercely independent as shown by her reluctance to move out of her home at the age of 97 and doing well on her own.
She loved sports of all kinds, movies, crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. Her family and friends were most important.
Ina is survived by son, David (Arlene) of Langley, B.C., also survived by three nephews Ronald (Joyce) Ranta, Richard (Jeanette) Ranta, and Brian (Jane) Ranta and their families, as well as extended family on the Merritt and Heikkinen side which includes Thelma Heikkinen Sr. and Thelma Heikkinen Jr. and several nephews and nieces.
Ina is predeceased by her parents Otto and Julia Ranta, husband Albert (Bill) Merritt, granddaughter Deni-Lee Merritt, brothers Edward, Paul, William, Waino, Sulo and Leonard, sisters-in-law Marie Ranta, Ruth Hanna and Anna Merritt.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Ina’s life will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024, from 11:00 until 1:00 p.m. at the Sargent Family Reception Centre, 21 N. Court Street.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thunder Bay and District Humane Society.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
