Luella F. Salmi

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Luella F. Salmi, 96, of Sunset Road, Ironwood Township, died Monday, March 16, 2015, at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

After almost 97 years on this earth she has left to join the love of her life, Barney T. Salmi, who died less than three weeks ago. They had been married for 72 and a half years.

The former Luella Florence Sophie Santi, of Finnish descent, was born April 20, 1918, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Steve and Sofia (Jylha) Santi. She attended A.L. Norrie Grade School and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1935. She was then employed as a secretary for the U.S. Government in the planning and initial development of the Resettlement Project in Ironwood Township, and also at Sears-Roebuck & Co. and the National Metals Bank in downtown Ironwood.

On Sept. 18, 1942, she married Barney T. Salmi in Ironwood. He preceded her in death on Feb. 25, 2015.

Luella was a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood. She was an excellent cook and was very involved in her children's extracurricular activities. A quiet, unassuming, lovely lady and much beloved mother, she asked little of life, but was willing to give her all to her family.

Surviving are two sons, Jim and Steve, both of Ironwood Township; a daughter, Jane (Dusty) Barclay, of Williamston; five grandchildren, Scott Salmi (Danielle Cummings), Ironwood Township, Michelle (Aaron) Haskins, Hudson, Wis., Christopher (Emily) Vlasich, Park Ridge, Ill., Evan Barclay, Houston, Texas, and Andrew Barclay, Boulder, Colo .; eight great-grandchildren, Sierra, Giavanna, Iyla, Devin, Ethyn, Vanea, Elise and Charlie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Luella was predeceased by three brothers, Eino, Wilbert and Arne Santi; and a sister, Wilma Hayval.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Luella's Life will be held on Monday, July 6, 2015. More details will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gogebic Medical Care Facility, 402 North St. Wakefield, MI 49968, or Trinity Lutheran Church, E5120 E. Margaret St., Ironwood, MI 49938.

Luella's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to her family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. 

The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility for the extraordinary care given to Luella and to Pastor Kurt Brandon of Trinity Lutheran Church for his comfort and support.

"A mother holds her children's hands for a short while...their hearts for always! Rest in peace mom, we'll miss you!"