Ruth Swanson

Ruth R. (Rickey) Swanson, 95 went peacefully to be with her Lord in her sleep early morning, Monday May 7, 2012 at Freeman's Nursing and Rehabilitation Community in Kingsford. Ruth was born the youngest of twelve children to Kazmierz F. and Victoria Rynalski on January 17, 1917 in Fredonia, New York. Ruth's family owned and operated a nursery and grape vineyard on Lake Erie in western New York. Her brothers Henryk, Augustine, Thomas, Clement and Theodore and sisters Lucia, Elizabeth, Margaret, Dorothy, Esther and Isabel all preceded her in death. After graduating from Fredonia State Teachers College with a teaching Certificate, Ruth attended Michigan State College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Dietetics. Ruth did an internship at University Hospitals of Cleveland in Cleveland, Ohio. While attending MSC, Ruth met her future husband, Alton, who she married March 27, 1943. Alton was a naval pilot and flight instructor at Pensacola, Florida during World War II, then went on to serve in the Pacific Theater of Operations. During Alton's extended absence Ruth lived near family in Jamestown, NY. Upon Alton's discharge the young couple moved to Ely, Minnesota where he resumed his career as a professional forester, returning in the 1940's to Kingsford/Iron Mountain area, Alton's hometown. The family enjoyed living in Quinnesec until moving to Kingsford Heights in the late 1950's. Her beloved Alton preceded her in death in 1994. Ruth was a clinical dietician for twenty-six years at the Veterans Administration Hospital, retiring in 1986. There she enjoyed her work very much, receiving the Hand and Heart Award for her direct patient care and education. She also taught dietary classes and diabetic education at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital. A member of Immanuel Baptist Church, Ruth taught children as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher, worked with special needs adults in the Awana Friends group, was a church clerk and involved in kitchen and fellowship groups. A quiet and reserved demeanor, Ruth had a very caring and loving heart. She desired that her life would reflect her faith in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. She loved to read her Bible, pray and listen to hymns. Her faith was the very center of her life. An excellent knitter, Ruth shared her handiwork with family and friends. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, flowers, picking berries and mushrooms, and family fishing trips. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her delight. Ruth treasured their artistic "gifts", looked forward to their visits, picnics, holiday celebrations and times of fun together. "Grammy" was very much loved and will be greatly missed by all her family. Ruth is survived by a son, James and a daughter, Kristen (Harry) Kleiman, both of Iron Mountain; granddaughters Lynne (John) Hackert of Rancho Cordova, CA and Kimberly (Brett) Shilton of Grandville, MI; a grandson Erik (Sara) Kleiman of Iron Mountain; precious great-grandchildren Amanda, Jurgen, Anja, and Jaeger Kleiman and Liam, Sada, Iona, and Meav Shilton. Ruth is also survived by her sister-in-law Francis (Babe) Swanson of Kingsford; thirty nieces and nephews, and special friends Ann Swan and Catherine Vivio. Ruth's family wishes to thank each caregiver at Freeman's for their special concern and care. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A memorial service to celebrate Ruth's life and faith will follow at 2:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Quinnesec Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to the local Salvation Army. Condolences to the family of Ruth Swanson may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.