Merlyn Hanson, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Thief River Care Center, at the age of 82.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 16, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.  Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday at Johnson Funeral Service.

Merlyn Marie Hinkley was born on August 22, 1941, to Harry and Josie (Wilkens) Hinkley in Crookston, MN.

Merlyn graduated from Pershing High School in 1959 and was united in marriage to George Westlake on June 6, 1959. George and Merlyn were blessed with four children: George Jr. "Ike", Allen, Mary and Connie. They farmed in Emardville Township, SE of Plummer. George Sr. died on May 3, 1983.

On July 14, 1984, Merlyn was united in marriage to Orlis D. Hanson in Fairbanks, AK. In 1986, they moved to Petaluma, CA where Merlyn worked as a CNA for 12 years. In August of 1998, they moved back to Thief River Falls where she has lived since. Orlis died on September 2, 2015.

Merlyn enjoyed reading, shopping, morning coffee at McDonalds, watching TV, and quick trips to the TRF Casino and Dairy Queen. But her biggest joy was being a grandma. She loved her grandchildren so much.

Merlyn is survived by 3 children: Allen (Elizabeth) Westlake, Crookston, MN, Mary (Dave) Torgerson, Fertile, MN, Connie (Mitch) Hemmesch, Thief River Falls, MN, grandsons: Isaac (fiancée Brittany Schyvinck) Westlake, Gold Canyon, AZ, Quinn Westlake, Grand Forks, ND, granddaughter: Jessica (Michael) Andersen, Strandquist, MN, great grandchildren: Mariah & Mikale Kenfield and Jordan Andersen, Strandquist, MN, step grandson: Adam (Kelly) Hanson, Woodbury, MN, step great grandchildren: Grace, Luke, Jack & Sam Hanson, Woodbury, MN, sister: Beverly (Dennis) Moen, Oklee, MN, brother-in-law, Kenny Parsley, Brooks, MN. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Merlyn was preceded in death by her husbands: George Westlake Sr. and Orlis D. Hanson, son: George "Ike" Westlake Jr., parents: Harry and Josie Hinkley, sisters: Doris Nelson and Charlotte Parsley, brother: Marlo Hinkley, and several aunts and uncles.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Hospice of the Red River Valley and to Thief River Care Center for making her final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

May her memory forever be blessed.