Merrill Banfield (79) of Wadsworth, OH passed away on March 2, 2017. The greatest love story ever known didn’t come from a book or a movie. It happened 58 1/2 years ago; prospering through births, deaths, triumphs, and challenges. It grew through 6 children, 11 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. It was rooted in an amazing faith in God. It was unconditional. It was the example of marriage that everyone should strive to model and it ended in this life today–5 weeks and 2 days apart from each other–because life without your other half isn’t life at all. This great love story begins a new journey of everlasting life…together…forever. He was preceded in death by his wife Delores, son Charles Merrill, and his parents Merrill and Anna (Phillips). Children Dennis and Sherry, Mary Anne and Harry Edwards, Donna and Rich Sponsler, Donald and Tonya, and Michelle and Kelly Papp; grandchildren Jenny Giacomoni, David Banfield, Julie Carr, Amanda Reid, Jessica Sponsler, Steven Sponsler, Ashley Reinhart, Sarah and Haley Banfield, Joey and Samantha Papp. After retiring from Huntington Bank in 1998 he enjoyed snow birding at his Florida home, as an avid golfer. The family would like to express their gratitude to the Summit County team for Hospice of the Western Reserve and the caregivers from Home Helpers. The family will receive friends 1-5 pm Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman St., Wadsworth. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am, Monday, March 6, 2017 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1263 Shannon Dr., Barberton, OH with Fr. Robert Jackson, Celebrant. Interment will be in Rittman Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Merrill would like donations be sent to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.