Ruth P. Merrifield, 78

Ruth P. Merrifield, age 78, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away at 4:55 P.M. on Monday, July 23, 2018, in her home, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Merrifield was a 1959 graduate of Springfield High School in Holland, Ohio, and had been employed by Spangler Candy Company as a candy cane spinner, retiring in 2001, with twenty-two years of service. She loved to sing and have fun with her family and also enjoyed motorcycle trips with her husband.

Ruth P. Merrifield was born on January 19, 1940, in Fayette, Ohio, the daughter of Elmor Jermiah and Evelyn Ruth (Riegsecker) Storrs. She married Vernon C. Merrifield on April 4, 1980, in Montpelier, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on February 5, 2018.

Survivors include her three children, Ray C. (Nola) Suydam, of Bryan, Robbie D. (Kate) Suydam, of Tazewell, Tennessee, and Rhonda Suydam, of Bryan; her children gained from her union with Vernon, Suzan Q. Hensley, of Bryan, Heidi J. Treesh, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Timothy P.G. (Jackie) Merrifield, of West Unity, Ohio, and Scott (Christy) Merrifield, of Bryan; eighteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and three sisters, Judy (Bob) Hulbert, of West Unity, Sharon (Dick) Appelton, of Adrian, Michigan, and Connie Reed, of Toledo, Ohio. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Ruthie Suydam; a son, Rex Suydam; a sister, Nancy Bently; a brother, Elmor “Jr.” Storrs; a grandson, Dane Treesh; and a great-granddaughter, Zahirah Webb.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018, from 3:00-4:00 P.M. in the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan. Services will follow at 4:00 P.M. in the Krill Funeral Home, Bryan, with Pastor Eric Burkhardt officiating. Private interment will take place in Shiffler Cemetery near Bryan.

Memorials are requested to Make a Wish Foundation or to a charity of the donor’s choice.