Esther E. (Merritt) Richards, 87, of School St., Martins Ferry, OH died Mar. 12, 2010 at Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling, WV. She was born Dec. 11, 1922 in Neffs, OH a daughter of the late Charles and Maude (Wright) Merritt. She was a member of the Church of Christ, St. Clairsville, OH, and Bellaire Alumni Association. Surviving are her husband William H. "Bill" Richards, a daughter Carol Anne (Ken) Frye of Yorkville, OH, two grandsons Scott Frye of New Philadelphia, OH, and Christopher Frye of Rayland, OH, and three great granddaughters Ashley of New Philadelphia, and Abigail and Rhiannon both of Rayland, OH. Friends will be received Sunday 12-3 & 6-8 pm at the Heslop Funeral Home, Walnut at Fifth, Martins Ferry, OH where services will be held Monday, March 15, 2010 at 1:00 pm with Everett Hutson officiating. Burial follows in Rock Hill Cemetery, Bellaire, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Christ, 190 Woodrow Ave., St. Clairsville, OH 43950. Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book at the top of this page.