Isabelle Mary Monroe

Isabelle Mary Monroe, 91, of Onigum, Minn., died Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at North Country Regional Hospital in Bemidji.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Onigum with Rev. Harold Eaglebull, Rev. John Rock and Ben Morris officiating. The wake began Thursday, July 23, at the Onigum Community Center and will continue until time of service. Burial will be in St. John’s Episcopal Cemetery.

The Dennis Funeral Home of Walker handled funeral arrangements.

She was born Nov. 25, 1917, to William and Julie (Butcher) Aitken in Onigum. She grew up and attended school in Onigum, and remained a life-long resident of the community. She devoted her life to raising her children and being an example to them in word and action. She loved to spend time at the casino and was known as the “Bingo Queen.” She was a survivor, a good friend and left a legacy that will not be forgotten by her family and community.

She is survived by her children, Bernice New, Evelyn Monroe, Clyde Monroe, Roger Monroe, Darlene Monroe, Ed Monroe and Elaine Monroe; 32 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; one niece, one nephew; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; daughters, Adeline Monroe, Norma Monroe and Tonya Monroe; sons, Harold Monroe and Calvin Monroe; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, two brothers, and three sisters.