Lauren Yvette Merrill, 25, Kenmare, was called home to her Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 5, 2016.

Lauren was born June 8, 1990 in Edina, MN to Joseph and Gabrielle (Peterson) Merrill. She grew up in Prior Lake, MN, and graduated from Prior Lake High School with the class of 2008. She continued her education at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.

Lauren moved with her longtime love, David Dewitz to Kenmare, ND in 2013. She worked at Town and Country Credit Union of Kenmare. According to her father, she was the best bank teller the town of Kenmare had ever seen.

Lauren simply lived life. She enjoyed arts and crafts, cooking, and gardening. Together, David and Lauren enjoyed the ND outdoors often hunting and fishing. She also loved to spend as much time as possible with her nephews Caleb and Caden and she was immensely loved as 'Auntie LaLa.'

Lauren valued the time spent with family and friends. Her gentle and sweet spirit will be missed be everyone that was blessed by her presence. She will be missed because of her important role in our lives as a daughter, granddaughter, sister, auntie, cousin and best friend.

Lauren's loving family includes the love of her life, David Dewitz, Kenmare; sister, Amber (Jeremie) Rice, Minot; mother, Gabi Merrill, Minot; father, Joseph (Kelly) Merrill, Prior Lake, MN; special nephews, Caleb and Caden Rice; step siblings, Brittany (Brock) and Tyler; grandfather, David Merrill, Bloomington, MN; special friend, Tom Dewitz, Kenmare and many special aunts, uncles and 'fun' cousins.

Lauren was preceded in death by grandparents: Maria Merrill, James and Marlene Peterson and Dave Woodford.

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND
Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. until the start of the service.
Memorials are preferred to the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation in honor of her nephew, Caleb.