Obituary: Mary J. Baxley

Mary J. Baxley, 93, passed away Jan. 11, 2025, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Cloquet. Mary was born Jan. 22, 1931, in Cloquet to Einar and Ruth (Olson) Nygren.

Mary was raised in Blackhoof Township and graduated from Carlton High School in 1949. She married Ellsworth Selen in 1949. He preceded her in death in 1974. Mary married John Baxley in 1986. He preceded her in death in 2001. In her later years, Mary enjoyed the companionship of Bob Schultz, who preceded her in death in 2021.

Mary worked as a home health aide for Carlton County and was a nursing assistant at Nopeming Nursing Home for most of her working years.

She was a lifelong member of Elim Lutheran Church of Blackhoof, where she taught Sunday School and was Sunday School superintendent and a member of the choir for many years. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Nicholson-Sellgren VFW Post 2962 in Carlton. She enjoyed creative needlework, gardening, camping and travel.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husbands and companion; children Glen and Tracy Baxley; and sister-in-law, Carol Nygren. She is survived by her daughters Muriel Selen, Cheryl Koch and Denise Halbert; son-in-law, Bob Koch; brothers, Richard (Patsy) Nygren and Einar Nygren; grandchildren, Ben Koch and Hilary (Ryan) McCausland; great-grandchildren, Tanner, Maya, Carson, Jack and Emma.

In lieu of flowers, please financially support the charity of your choice or St. Croix Hospice in Duluth. Mary and her family thank the staff of Diamond Willow and the staff of St. Croix Hospice for their dedication, skill, and caring kindness in following Mary's end-of-life wishes.

Services were held Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Elim Lutheran Church of Blackhoof. To leave an online condolence, visit the guestbook at http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.