Rochester-Ilion Merrel E. Spence, 85, of Rochester, formerly of Ilion, passed away on Monday May 7, 2012 in Rochester. Merrel was born on January 1, 1927 in Greensboro, MD the son of the late Merrel H. and Carrie Marie (Greenly) Spence. He was a 1944 graduate of Greensboro High. Following high school Merrel joined the Merchant Marines, following his service he attended VA Tech graduating in 1957. Merrel was employed as an engineer with Remington Arms Co. in Ilion retiring several years ago. Merrel is survived by his daughter Ruth Collister of Rochester; brother J. Robert Spence of Lincoln, Nebraska; sister Eleanor Weidner of Sheffield, PA; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Merrel will be held on Tuesday May 15, 2012 at 1pm at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego St. in Ilion. Rev, Robert Wollaber will officiate, interment will follow in the Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion. Friends may call on Tuesday from 11am until the time of the funeral. On line condolences may be sent by going to www.whiter-hendrix.com.