Miriam I. Syrjala, 84, of Ironwood, died Saturday, June 21, 2008, in Hurley. The former Miriam Pelto was born Oct. 26, 1923 in Ironwood, daughter of the late Charles and Ina (Nyquist) Pelto, attended local schools, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1941. She was married to Elmer T. Syrjala on June 26, 1946, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood, by the late Rev. Herman Matero. Elmer preceded her in death on Dec. 11, 2000. Miriam was employed at Hirvela Studio and Range Jewelers in downtown Ironwood for many years, worked as a cook at the A&W Root Beer stand, Don & GG's and Hay's Dairy Bar, was employed as a sales clerk at Vertin's Department Store, and retired as a prep cook at the Big Boy Restaurant on Cloverland Drive in 1985. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood, and loved sewing, cooking and baking. She especially loved her grandchildren. Surviving are a son, Paul (Debra), Antigo, Wis.; two daughters, Louise (Larry) Suomi, Duluth, Minn., and Prisilla (Tom) Gerovac, Erwin Township; five grandchildren, Lisa Suomi, Denver, Colo., Steve Syrjala (Bridget), and Scott Syrjala (Robin), both of Pewaukee, Wis., and Rebecca and Kevin Gerovac, both of Erwin Township; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Maurie Syrjala, Ramsay, Eugene and Sylvia Syrjala, New Port Richey, Fla., and Carmen Syrjala, Grand Rapids, Mich. Besides her parents and husband, Miriam was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Allan Syrjala, and sister-in-law, Frannie Syrjala. In accordance with Miriam's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 25, at 11 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 111 So. Curry St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Francis Strong officiating. Committal will take place at the church, with luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood. Relatives and friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. To view Miriam's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick and Engstrom Funeral and Cremation Services of Ironwood and Hurley