Erma J. Merschdorf, 96, Enjoyed Traveling - especially her 13 trips to Hawaii

Mrs. Merschdorf was born on October 25, 1908, in Hayesville, OH and graduated from Loudonville High School. After her marriage she moved to Mansfield where she lived the majority of her life.

She had been employed at the Reed Department Store in downtown Mansfield. She then worked for Westinghouse Corp, retiring in 1973 with more than 25 years as an addressograph operator. She moved to northern Lorain County eleven years ago.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mansfield, the Ruth Circle and Westinghouse Retiree's. In Lorain, she was a member of Wimodaughsis. She enjoyed traveling, especially her thirteen trips to Hawaii, crocheting, knitting, cooking and interacting with people.

Mrs. Merschdorf is survived by her son, Richard M. Merschdorf of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 4 grandchildren and her caregivers and nieces Sue Kayle of Lorain, Nancy Stark of Vermilion and Virginia Darrah of Louisville, KY.

She is preceded in death by her husband Martin Merschdorf in Feb 2, 1959, daughter Karen Reinehr in 1981, her parents Thomas and Nettie (nee McKinley) Crone, sisters Kathryn Bunting and Mildred Neiding.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2005, at 4:00 PM in the Chapel in the Elyria Methodist Village, 807 West Ave., Elyria, with Chaplain Beth McKee officiating.

Graveside services will be on Friday, May 20, 2005, at 1:00 PM in Mansfield Memorial Park Cemetery, Mansfield with Rev. Charles E. Tobias, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Mansfield officiating.

The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the Community Health Partners Regional Foundation/New Life Hospice, 3700 Kolbe Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053 or Elyria United Methodist Village, 807 West Ave., Elyria, Ohio, 44035.

Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, Ohio 44052 is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.boyer-cool.com.