Ruth Doney
ISHPEMING, MI- Ruth A. Doney, age 89, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away on Monday February 10, 2025 at UP Health System Bell while in the loving care of her family, and hospital staff.
Ruth was born at her family home on October 24, 1935, daughter of the late Werner and Elizabeth (Mayry) Wirtala. She grew up in Ishpeming and graduated from Ishpeming High School with the class of 1953. Ruth attended Augustana Nursing School in Chicago, where she graduated with her nursing degree in 1956. She worked as an RN at Bell Hospital as an ER Nurse, and as a Nursing Supervisor establishing a 45 year career as a Nurse.
Ruth was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Bethel Quilters. She was also a member of Friends of the Library, and the Augustana School of Nursing Alumni Association. Ruth enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching birds, quilting, sewing, going to family functions at camp, and going to events for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Ruth is survived by her 4 children- Daniel (Kathy Jo) Doney, Judy (Fred) Saari, Elizabeth (Robbie) Powelson, Eric (Tamara) Doney, brother- Peter Wirtala, 6 grandchildren- Jason (Jaime) Doney, Danielle (Brian) Anderson, Rebecca (Matt) Clisch, Victoria (Tony) Dishaw, Brittany (Mike) Lyman, Libbie Jo (Bobby Zhulkie) Doney, 9 great grandchildren- Kaylin and Eliisa Doney, Nora Jo and Barrett Anderson, Maija and Josie Clisch, Henry Dishaw, Maverick and Banner Lyman, along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband- Duane Doney, sisters- Betty Ann Wirtala and Lorraine Adams, and brothers- William and John Wirtala.
Ruth’s family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am until 12:00pm at Bethel Lutheran Church on Saturday February 22, 2025. A Memorial Service will follow at 12:00pm with Rev. Tim Johnston officiating. The UP Nurses Honor Guard will conclude the services at the church. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery in the Spring.
Ruth’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kroll and the staff at MCMCF for the wonderful care they gave to Ruth during her stay at the nursing home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church in memory of Ruth.
Ruth’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.