Obituaries: Marilyn Mae (West) Riihiluoma

Marilyn Mae (West) Riihiluoma, born on Feb. 19, 1931, left this earth on Feb. 28, 2021, into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who welcomed her to her eternal home.

Marilyn was privileged to know Jesus from her early days on Earth. She was a lover of God’s word and faithful in prayer. Marilyn was an exceptionally kind and gentle woman who spent her 90 years pouring out her life for her family and many others. She was a giver.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Gladys West; as well as four sisters and one brother. Marilyn was a ninth-generation descendant of Joseph West, who emigrated to America from England in 1635.

Marilyn is survived and much loved by her husband of 71 years, Ray; six children, Marcia (John) Franzen, Susan (Rich) Garrett, Jeanne (Greg) Webb, Nancy (Bill) Teten, Heidi Riihiluoma and John (Kelly) Riihiluoma; 25 beloved grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service Friday, March 5 in Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery. Mask use and physical distancing is required. The funeral can be heard from the funeral home parking lot on 98.3 FM. A video recording will be available on the funeral home website Friday afternoon. Letters and cards of condolences can be sent to the family care of the funeral home.

Memorials contributions may be made to Journey Christian Church in Cloquet or Jesus Center Church in Barnum.

Pine Knot News, March 5, 2021