Merrilee (Baker) Young

Merrilee Young, 83, passed away on January 11th, 2025, in Riverview, Florida. Merrilee was born to Mabel (Rion) and Cecil Baker on January 6, 1942 in Anna, Illinois. She graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School in 1960. On Christmas Eve of 1959, she married Paul Ray Young, who preceded her in death in 2008. They shared 49 years of marriage together and three children, Cathy (Tim) Hidebrandt, Susan (Todd) Young-Basler, and Martina (Grant) Young-Montney. They had six grandchildren, Alexander Ederle, Samantha (Devin) Ezell, Jessica Ederle, Jacob Pehle, Camille Montney, Lawson Montney, and Sierra Hildebrandt, and one great-grandchild Javonie Kimbrough.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Ray Young, grandson, Alexander, her parents, Thomas and Mable Adams, her sister Tamaras Adams, and her brother Kenny Baker.

Merrilee was a nearly life-long resident of Anna. She worked at the Southern Barbeque when her parents owned it, ran her own beauty salon, and later worked at Wal Mart. After Paul retired from the Post Office, the couple had a second career as team over-the-road truck drivers. Merrilee enjoyed reading, playing bingo, playing slot machines, and watching western movies.

Graveside Funeral Service for Merrilee Young will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2025 with Bill Littrell officiating. Those attending are asked to go directly to the Anna Cemetery.