Merrie Ellen (Halford) Polch

Merrie Ellen Polch (nee Halford), 79, of Hartsgrove, OH, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, July 2nd, 2026, at Ohman Family Living at Briar in Middlefield, Ohio. She was born in Willoughby, OH on October 20th, 1946, to the late George and Doris (Stoddard) Halford. Merrie Ellen is once again reunited with her loving husband, Richard “Dick” Polch, who died November 27th, 2015.  

Merrie Ellen loved playing cards, going fishing, traveling with her husband Dick, doing craft projects with her granddaughter Kenzie, long crazy conversations and road trips to anywhere wither her daughter Amie, and her horses.

She had the kindest heart and always saw the positive in everyone and everything.   She was a force to be reckoned with, had a great sense of humor and the best laugh.

Merrie Ellen graduated from Willoughby South High School, class of 1965.  Then attended Hiram College.  She recently reconnected with several of her high school classmates and enjoyed their regular group lunches.

Merrie Ellen served as President of the Friends of the Andrews Library for many years and often remarked it was wonderful to help the school that meant so much to her daughter.  She was a member of the Buckeye Walking Horse Association and ran the club’s Futurity each year for 20 plus years. 

Merrie Ellen will be greatly missed by: her daughter, Amie (Richard) Willner; stepsons, Rick (Lisa) Polch, Tom (Jo) Polch, Jerry Polch; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Shannon, Kevin, Derek, Dana; and her great-grandchildren and friends.

She is preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Richard; grandchildren, Allen Willner and Kellie Armstrong; and brother, Terry Halford.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD FROM 4-8 PM, MONDAY, AUGUST 3RD, 2026 AT CLARIDON WOODLANDS PARK, JUDGE LESTER TAYLOR LODGE, 11383 CLARIDON-TROY RD, CLARIDON TWP. with a short service being held at 7:30 PM. 

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