Sandra “Sandy” Ruth (Nicholas) Salmela

Sandy was born on April 28, 1951, in Negaunee, Michigan, to Lester and Ruth (Stolnack) Nicholas. She was raised in Negaunee and graduated from Negaunee High School in 1969.

On October 30, 1971, Sandy was united in marriage to Chester Salmela in Negaunee. They made their home in Negaunee, where they raised their children. Sandy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished time spent with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Jeanette Nicholas and brother-in-law Ron Stuard.

Deeply loved, Sandy’s passing will be remembered by her husband: Chet, Children: Chad, Cathy (Dan) Caya, and Greg; 8 grandchildren Mandie Caya, Taylor (Brandon) Rodriguez, Austin Caya, Aubrey Salmela, Lexi (James) Jylha, Chloe Salmela, Kina Salmela, and Anja Salmela; and 1 great-grandson Kai Jylha and another on the way, her siblings: Nancy Stuard, Jack (Sharon) Nicholas, Gary Nicholas, Bob Nicholas, and Debbie (Gordy) Seppanen and a host of brothers and sisters in faith.

Services will be held at the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee on Tuesday May 19, 2026 visitation at 11 am and funeral at 1 pm with Don Johnson officiating, a luncheon will follow the service in the church hall. Burial will be at a later date in Deer River, Minnesota.

Sandy’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.