Ishpeming- Susan Claire Sihtala, age 71, of 1836 Prairie Ave Ishpeming, MI, passed away Monday, January 18, 2021 at her home while in the loving care of her family and UP Home Health and Hospice.

Susan was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on April 6, 1949, a daughter of the late John and Dorothy (Hooper) Dobson.  She graduated from Ishpeming High School, class of 1967 and attended Northern Michigan University.

While attending college Sue worked at Shopko in Marquette.  Later while raising her daughter she owned and operated a knitting machine business in her home. During which time she developed many long-lasting friendships. She was a co-founder of UP Machine Knitters Club.

Sue later worked as an activities aide at Marquette County Medical Care Facility which she found very rewarding. She loved to read, travel, including cruises with family and friends.  Her biggest joy was being a grandma to Emmalee.

Su is survived by her husband Ronald Stuart Sihtala, whom she married April 22, 1972, a daughter Laura Sihtala, of Green Bay, WI; granddaughter Emmalee Hill, a brother Terry (Sue) Dobson of Saginaw, along with several nieces, nephews and many close friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Jeffrey S. Sihtala, a brother William (Pat) Dobson and sister-in-law Peggy Dobson.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am – 11:00 am on Wednesday January 20, 2021 at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home.

Due to COVID-19, masks are required, and respect social distancing guidelines.

Private service will be held for family and close friends.  The service will be livestreamed at 11:00 Wednesday which will can be found at Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home Facebook page.

Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Wesley United Methodist Church, 801 Hemlock St, Ishpeming, MI 49849 in memory of Su.

Su's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

A recording of Su's service may be viewed at Bjork & Zhulkie's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bjorkandzhulkie/