Ruth J. Nelson Dunnick

Ruth J. Nelson Dunnick, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed peacefully from this world to be with her Lord the morning of Friday, March 17, 2023, after a prolonged battle with dementia.

She was born on February 28, 1933, in St. Joseph, Michigan, to Jacob and Natale Wyman. She grew up along the shores of Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, along with four sisters (Kathleen, Nina, Irene, Betty) and one brother (Jack), and graduated from St. Joe High school.

Ruth met her first husband, Elwynn Nelson, at a baseball game, and they married in 1951. Together they raised three children, and lived in Berrien Springs and Niles as young parents, before moving to Edwardsburg, MI. Ruth worked at Whirlpool Corporation in St. Joseph for several years, and spent most of her career at Miles/Bayer Corporation in Elkhart, where she worked in various positions and finished her time as a supervisor in the weigh center.

Ruth was a kind and selfless person, always the first one to help when others needed it. She was loved by anyone who met her. Her gifts of fudge, twice-baked potatoes, and potato pancakes were enjoyed by all who received them. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who always put her family first. She had a heart of gold and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Natale Wyman; her husband of 6 years, Paul Dunnick; former husband of 37 years, Elwynn Nelson; and her daughter, Sandra Nelson.

She is survived by her sons, Mark (Chris) Nelson of Edwardsburg, and Mike Nelson of Nunn, CO; and daughter, Cindy Nelson (Sam Ludwig) of Zephyrhills, FL. Ruth is also survived by her grandchildren: Vicki (Luke) Leifer of Spokane, WA, Drew Nelson of South Bend, Alicia Nelson and Melissa (Josh) Fuller of Greeley, CO, Josh (Nicole) Nelson of Loveland, CO, Heather (Tim) Mellinger of Wawaka, IN, Sam (Sherri) Ludwig of Elkhart, and Lexi Kirk of Eldon, MO. She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place, and Ruth's family will have a private service at a later date. Arrangements are being taken care of by Allred Funeral Home of Berrien Springs.

Ruth's love and kindness will always be remembered and cherished by her family and friends. Her everlasting memory will forever be carried in our hearts.