Obituary: Ailie Marie Merrill

Ailie Marie Merrill, age 95, of Cloquet, Minnesota passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the Moose Lake Village. She was born on January 2, 1929, to John and Lydia (Salmi) Laine in Automba, Minnesota. Ailie moved to Cloquet in 1946, and was united in marriage to James Merrill in 1948. They were blessed with three children and Ailie naturally settled into her role as homemaker, dedicating her life to her family. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 27 years. Faith was a very important aspect of Ailie's life; she served as a Sunday school teacher for 20 years in addition to helping with Bible school and various other church activities.

Ailie was preceded in death by her only loving son, Gary in 1995; wonderful husband of 50 years, James in 1999; and beloved daughter, Sharon in 2021, all of whom she deeply missed the remainder of her days. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Emil, Reino, Edward, Lillian, and Helen. Ailie will be remembered by her daughter, Jane Bakke; grandchildren, Jim Merrill (Shonta Farleigh), Erin (Bob) Walloch, and Angela (Paul) Tangen; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, and another on the way; and brother, Roy; and numerous wonderful loving friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may directed to the Carlton County Animal Rescue in honor of Ailie's love for animals, or an organization of your choice.

A funeral service for Ailie will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and will continue until the 2 p.m. ceremony. Ailie's final resting place will be Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery in Hermantown, Minnesota.