Marja-Riitta White

Marja-Riitta (Pihlajamaa) White passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Riitta White was 89 years old.

Riitta was born in 1934 in Helsinki, Finland. Soon after being born, Riitta's father and mother (Leo and Aino Pihlajamaa) moved the family to Vaasa, Finland where Riitta was raised alongside her older brother, Raikko. Riitta loved the forest, the lakes and the ocean near her home. In her adolescence, Riitta came in contact with missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints while studying American English. She later joined the Church at the age of 18. Riitta served a mission in her home country from 1956 to 1957. While serving her mission in many areas of Finland, Riitta had the wonderful experiences of having her mother and father join the Church. This was a blessing that brought much comfort to Riitta.

Wanting adventure and opportunity, and very soon after completing her missionary service, Riitta immigrated to the United States in late summer of 1957 to attend BYU. After completing the fall semester at BYU, Riitta married Quentin White in January of 1958. Many adventures were to follow. Riitta built a loving home wherever the young family lived as Quentin pursued his education and early career. The family lived in Utah, New Jersey, Helsinki-Finland, California, New Hampshire and back to Utah for good in 1978.

Riitta served in many callings in the LDS Church. She loved service. Riitta had the opportunity to support Quentin on an extended church assignment in the Philippines in 1990. Later, Riitta and Quentin served their dream mission from 2004 to 2007. They had the opportunity to oversee the building of the Helsinki, Finland Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After nearly three years of construction, and a very successful open house, where people and members of the church attended from the far reaches of the world, the dedication of the temple was performed by President Gordon B. Hinkley in 2007.

Riitta and Quentin returned to Utah where they've lived on "the farm" since 1978. Riitta was a loving daughter and sister, a loving wife, a loving and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Riitta loved watching and participating with her family; kids, grandkids and great grandkids, as they progressed in their lives and in the gospel.

Riitta maintained many strong relationships with relatives and friends throughout her life. She also formed new friendships with neighbors that she cherished all her days.

Riitta is survived by her husband Quentin White, and four children, Kristiina Frost (Bert), Carenine White (Steve), Rodney White (Becky) and Derek White (Lori). Riitta joins in death her youngest daughter, Natasha Brown (Joe) who passed away in 2016. Along with five children, Riitta was grandmother and great grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and love for all those who have helped to bring comfort and love to Riitta and the family throughout her life and during her last days.

A funeral service will be held March 9, 2024 at 11:00am at the LDS chapel located at 10962 N. 6400 W. Highland, Utah 84003.