Jean Merkel, age 88 , of Paris Twp., passed into eternal life on February 19, 2010 at 10:05AM at her home with her family by her side. Jean (Eugenea Victoria Deborah Merkel) was born in Summerhill, PA on January 30, 1922 the daughter of the late Benjamin Newton & Clara (Flick) Murphy. She married the love of her life, David T. Merkel on August 11, 1938 and he passed away on January 30, 1985. Jean has lived in Paris Township since 1973 formerly of Akron. She was a member of the Kingdom Hall Jehovah's Witnesses of Newton Falls. She enjoyed reading and doing volunteer ministry. Jean was preceeded in death by 1 son Teddy, 2 sisters Lorna Huffman & Bell Williams and 2 brothers Thyrsis & Benjamin Murphy. Memories of Jean will be carried on by her loving family; her 3 daughters and son inlaws Mrs. Ritta (Gary) Valentine of Paris Twp., Mrs. (Clara Jean(Louis)Kurcsics of Penn Run, PA, Mrs.Cheryl (Donald) Bonini of Warren; son and daughter inlaw David (Lynda) Merkel of Newton Falls, and son Benjamin N. Merkel of Louisville; sisters Arthenia Rager of Salem, Phyllis Willison of Salem, Sister and Brother inlaw Grace (Willi) Welce of Akron; 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Private Services and burial have been held. Arrangements are being handled by James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440.