Merri Jo Connole, 59, lifelong Minot area resident died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, October 9, 2014 after a courageous battle with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Merri Jo was born on Sunday, August 7, 1955 in Minot to Lyle G. and Helen (Yeoman) Peterson. She was raised in the South Prairie area of Ward County and attended South Prairie School through the eighth grade. She graduated from Minot High School, with honors, in 1973 and a highlight of her school years was being the President of the F.B.L.A. Chapter. She continued her education at Minot State University.

Merri Jo married Kevin Connole on February 16, 1974 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot where she was employed by Ask Realtors, Minot Area Chamber of Commerce and MDU. She was a full-time wife, mother and homemaker until her children were in school. Then, she was employed at St. Joseph's Hospital and Minot State University as a Financial Aid Counselor prior to becoming the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at MSU. It was during this time that she fulfilled her goal of gaining her Bachelor of Science Degree in General Studies, graduating with honors.

Merri Jo was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, its Altar Society, Confraternity of Christian Mothers, Quilters Guild and Catholic Daughters organization. She also served on the Y.W.C.A. Board of Directors. Her hobbies and special interests were quilting, sewing, knitting, cooking, baking, music and travel. However, her number one passion was her family especially her grandchildren and her puppy Gertie.

Merri Jo's loving family includes her husband of 40 years Kevin; daughters: Erin of Roseville CA, Marcie of Minot and Becky (Steve) Knutson of Fargo; grandchildren: Tyler, Lauren, Natalie, and Ruby and brother: Wayne Peterson of Minot.

Merri Jo was preceded in death by her parents Lyle and Helen Peterson.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, October 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home and from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Memorials are preferred to the Kevin and Merri Jo Connole Endowment at Minot State University.