Emily Elvira Olsen was born on October 16, 1927 in New York Mills, Minnesota. Her parents were the late Hjalmer and Elizabeth (Hyppio) Olsen. Emily grew up on the family farm in Otto Township. She attended country school District #110. She graduated with the Class of 1947 from New York Mills High School. On January 10, 1948 Emily was united in marriage to Eugene Aalto from Ruovesi, Finland, in Menahga, Minnesota. They resided in New York Mills, then moved to Renton, Washington in 1952. Eugene passed away in 1955 in Washington. On August 30, 1974 Emily was united in marriage to Robert Cross in Renton, Washington. Bob passed away on May 15, 1981. They owned and operated Cross Trophy's in Renton until retiring in 2002. Emily spent the following years in between Washington and Minnesota. Emily enjoyed traveling, cruises and trips to Finland. She was very proud of her Finnish Heritage. She also enjoyed playing Bingo. On November 18, 2016 Emily passed away at the Elders' Home in New York Mills, Minnesota at 89 years of age. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Preceding Emily in death were her parents; husbands: Eugene and Bob; siblings: Ben, Esther, Edna, Elma, Stanley, Rueben, Ethel, Simon "Bomber", Edith, Elmie, Eldora and Elizabeth.

Emily is survived by her daughter, Marie Aalto of New York Mills; sons: Benny Aalto of Coos Bay, Oregon; Marty (Kathy) Aalto of Tacoma, Washington; son-in-law, Stanley (Deb) Marotz of Perham; grandchildren: Ashley (Jeremy) Ratcliff, Greg Aalto and Kristin Aalto; great-grandchildren: Lilly, Delaney and Sydney Ratcliff; sister, Esty Brasel of Summer, Washington; sister-in-law, Lorraine Olsen of New York Mills; brother-in-law, Marvin Fiskari of New York Mills; many other relatives and a host of friends.