IRONWOOD, Mich. - Ruth J. Nelson, 91, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

The former Ruth June Virginia Suliin was born June 21, 1933, in Erwin Township, daughter of the late Walter and Hulda (Mackey) Suliin. She was the eldest of their four children and attended K.P. Silberg Grade School and Luther L. Wright High School.

On March 31, 1951, Ruth was united in marriage to Adolph Nelson at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death on Jan. 10, 2008. In 1955, Adolph and Ruth moved to Illinois to work and later in 1971, moved back to build and open Nelson's Lake Aire Motel on the north shore of Lake Gogebic, now called "AJ's Lodge & Oven."

Surviving Ruth are her son, Robert Nelson (Ella Lemire) of lower Michigan; daughter,  Karen (Gerald) Gullan of Ironwood; two grandchildren, Jessica (Brian) Piasecki and Michael (Samantha Ruso) Gullan; brothers-in-law, Raymond (Carol) Nelson and Delmar (Lorraine) Tervo; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her husband and parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Mae Suliin (age six months); sister and brother-in-law, Arlene (John "Gibby") Palojarvi; brother and sister-in-law, Reino (Darlene) Suliin; stepmother, Helen Suliin; and brothers-in-law, LeRoy Nelson, Richard Niemi, Donald Niemi and Dennis Tervo.

Ruth loved playing bingo, dancing and singing in the Finnish choir at Little Finland. The joy of her life was her grandchildren. She attended anything and everything they were involved in.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 28, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Midland Ave., Ironwood. Memorial services will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Nicole Hanson-Lynn officiating. Following the service, everyone is invited to a luncheon in the lower level of the Zion Lutheran Church.

Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood on Monday. June 30, at 9 a.m.

The family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Jerald Rocco of Lakeside Memorial Chapel and the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility for the compassion and excellent care provided to our "Granny."