Merrilee J. Strong

Merrilee (Buddha) Strong, age 53, began her journey to the spirit world on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Red Lake, MN, surrounded with family and friends. She was born on December 23, 1971 to Frances (Bagley) Strong and Melvin W Strong Sr in Red Lake, MN.

Merrilee enjoyed sitting around with all her friends having a beer. She was a caring person loved by many people. She loved going to bingo, casino and going on cruises. She loved her game shows and watching hockey and the Vikings and jamming to her tunes. She also loved calling and chatting with her children and grandchildren every day. She was a very kind person, always willing to help if she could.

Merrilee is survived by her children: Wesleyann (Darcie) Strong and Martell (Ange) Strong; brothers: Melvin (Yvonne) Jr, Rexford (Elsie), Willy (Earlene); sister: Mavis Strong;  her other half: Richard Roy; uncle: Gus Strong; special adopted kids: Josh and Trevor Schoenborn and Scott Lussier and Tonnah Strong; and her grandkids: Aniya, Ava and Eve Fredericks.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Frances and Melvin Strong Sr; daughter: Marnelle Strong; sisters: Millie (Sonny) Holthusen and Margaret (Joe) Parkhurst, June Bug Strong and Melodie Strong; nephew: Wesley Strong; niece: Maloree Strong; aunts and uncles, great grandparents and the father of her children: Curtis Kingbird.

A wake will begin at 1:30 PM on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the New Redby Center and continue until the service at 1 PM on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Burial will be at a later date. Active Pallbearers will be Brandon and Gary Strong, Barry Oakgrove Sr, Brent Pemberton, Joe Parkhurst, George Parkhurst, Rex Strong Jr and Quentin Strong. Honorary Pallbearers are Delwyn Holthusen Jr, Bryson Jourdain, Junior Strong, Rick Roy, Maelyn Strong, Donna Strong, Becky “Beerbomb” Cook, Jan Roberts, Missy Seki, Michelle (Rod) Strong, Mary Omen, Kevin Schoenborn, Amber & Autumn Parkhurst, Elsie Strong, Corey Donnell, Jennette Bowstring, Jean & Herman Donnell, Nicole Brun, Nellie Charnoski Family, Dolan Donnell, Troy Gillman, Kimberly Schoenborn, Debbie Johnson, Marla Donnell, Josh & Trevor Schoenborn and Scott Lussier. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, MN.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Merrilee J. Strong, please visit our floral store.