Eli William Ruja, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. He was born on August 1st, 1943 in Detroit to Eli and Lena (Olar) Ruja. He graduated from Pershing High School in 1961. Eli served in the Army National Guard. He worked many years selling insurance for AAA. He co-owned the original Summer Trail Inn in Standish until it perished in a fire, then managed timeshare resorts in Lake Arrowhead, San Clemente, and Palm Springs, CA. He returned to Michigan in 1996, as he had roots in Arenac County.
Eli lived an adventurous life. He was a past Exalted Ruler of the Lake Arrowhead Benevolent Order of the Elks, an avid fisherman, and Harley rider.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Harold Turner. Surviving are his two daughters, Amy (Ralph) Schlaff of Stockbridge, MI, and Sarah (Jon) Van Niewaal of Woodbury, MN, five grandchildren, Andy, Anna, and Abby Schlaff, and Matthew and Benjamin Van Niewaal, sister, Priscilla Turner of Nevada, and niece, Pam (Dave) Enenbach and Tom (Lori) Turner, all from Nevada.
Cremation has taken place. Burial will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI, at a date to be determined.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice.
