Obituary: Ailie Merrill

Ailie Marie Merrill, 95, of Cloquet passed away Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at Moose Lake Village. She was born Jan. 2, 1929, to John and Lydia (Salmi) Laine in Automba, Minnesota. Ailie moved to Cloquet in 1946 and married 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 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; brother, Roy; and numerous wonderful loving friends and family.

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

A visitation and funeral service for Ailie was held Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Ailie's final resting place is Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery in Hermantown.

Pine Knot News, Nov. 1, 2024