MARQUETTE - Ruth Mildred (Kippola) Hjelt, 85, of Marquette, died Monday evening, June 10, 2013, with family by her side at the Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming Twp.

Ruth was born on June 7, 1928, in Republic, MI to John and Alma (Ruuska) Kippola.

She married Melvin Hjelt of Floodwood, MN on February 5, 1951 in Negaunee.

Survivors include her loving husband of 62 years, Melvin Hjelt of Marquette, daughter Kristine (Gerry) Nitzel of Wayne, MI, son John (Angela) Hjelt, daughter Peggy (Greg) Anaas, and daughter Elizabeth (David) Kero, all of Negaunee. Also surviving her are 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, a few great-great-grandchildren, a brother Donald (Margaret) Kippola of Plymouth, MI, and a host of brothers and sisters in faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 brothers, Arnold, Arthur and Harold Kippola.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 6:00-8:00pm on Wednesday June 12, 2013 at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Congregation, Co. Rd. 492, Negaunee. The family will again greet relatives and friends on Thursday June 13, 2013 from 11:00am-12:00 noon at the congregation with the funeral service at noon with Chas Prusi to officiate. Interment will be at the Negaunee Cemetery. A small luncheon will follow the service in the church hall.