Tyyne Saima (Niemi) Salonen, 96, of South Bessemer, was taken quietly in the arms of the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011.

Tyyne was born on Feb. 20, 1915, in Ironwood Township, the daughter of Andrew and Johanna (Purola) Niemi.

On March 24, 1932, she married Reino Salonen and they were married for nearly 60 years. Tyyne and Reino lived in Harding, Bessemer Township and were blessed with six children.

Tyyne is survived by her children, Arne Salonen, Bessemer, Margaret Johnson, Roscommon, Dorothy Pakonen, Ironwood, and Hazel Rouker, Grand Rapids; 14 grandchildren, Darcey Jean McGowen, Gary, Dale and Bruce Johnson, Janice Foley, Douglas and Michael Pakonen, Andrea Rasmussen, David and Garrett Salonen, Leana Davison, Kristin Peterson, Penni Young and Lysa Buchan; 18 great-grandchildren, Christine, Kathryn, Kristofer, Nicholas, Bryce, Paige, Thor, Erik, Sanna, Noah, Chloe, Brittney, Jimitrius, Paul, Amanda, Matthew, Whitney and Abby; five great-great-grandchildren, Drew, Owen, Tyler, Riley and Brandon; two sisters, Vera Jo Jansson and Julianna Abramson; a brother, Wilbert Niemi; her sister-in-law, Laura Niemi; many loving nieces and nephews; and a very dear friend, Lempi Niemi.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Reino, in 1991; two sons, John, in infancy, and Richard, in 2007; and six sisters and four brothers.

Tyyne began her working career at the age of 14 as a nanny, housekeeper and barnmaid working and living with local families. From 1945 to 1949, she spent her summers as a cook at vacation resorts in Boulder Junction, Wis. In 1949, Tyyne began her 29-year career as supervisor of Bessemer Township Schools hot lunch program.

She received many honors for her lifetime dedication to leadership roles as a member of Harding Club, PTA, Home Extension, 4-H Club and Gogebic County Fair. In 2004, Tyyne was honored for 75 years of exhibiting at the Gogebic County Fair.

She never had idle hands. Tyyne was an expert crafter in sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and weaving.

She was a servant of God, actively participating in the Lutheran church her entire life.

The family will greet relatives and friends Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer, where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Gerald L. Anderson officiating.

Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tyyne's grandsons.

A reception will be held in the Kastman Hall of Sharon Lutheran Church following the service.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Sharon Lutheran Church, 100 E. Sellar St., Bessemer MI 49911 in Tyyne's memory.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family. Your condolences may be shared with the family at: lakesidememorialchapel.com.