Ella Spies, 97, of Merrill passed away Friday, November 26, 2011 at Floyd Valley Hospital in LeMars, Iowa.  Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill, Iowa with Reverend Sarah Nye officiating.  Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Merrill, Iowa.  Visitations will be after 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 28, 2011 at the Carlsen Funeral Home in LeMars with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service Monday evening at the funeral home.  Visitation will continue Tuesday morning at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time.  Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.carlsenfuneralhome.com.