The life of this wonderful woman should be told as it was lived, full of family, friends, and adventures. Fonda’s children, grandchildren, and sister wish to remember her for the loving, strong, and independent woman that she was and to celebrate her life.
Her story began in the hills of eastern Kentucky. Merrill Fonda Collins was born on August 6, 1947, in Wayland, KY, the daughter of Junior and Eunice (Terry) Collins. Her father was killed in an auto accident when she was young. Fonda grew up in a holler spending much of her time at her Mamaw and Pappa’s house, Ervin and Mousie (Combs) Collins, along with her brother, Don and sister, Shirley. Eventually, they relocated to Crestline, Ohio in the early 1960’s. But, Fonda never lost her Kentucky accent or manner of speaking.
Fonda married Jim Gibbons and welcomed son, Steve. Later, she married Michael Petrik and raised his children, Sherry and Phill as her own, alongside her sons, Steve and Shawn. She loved being a mother and grandmother. Fonda would later help raise her grandchildren, Jordan, Kassie, and Jace Petrik, as they lovingly called her Mamaw. Her home was the gathering place as family and friends came over and played in the big yard, sat on her porch, raided the fridge, and joined in for supper. The holidays were always a special time as she made the family’s favorites of buckeyes, lasagna, and banana pudding.
Fonda worked at the Triangle in Crestline in the 60’s and for many years at Crestline Paint in Crestline and Mansfield. She treasured her home and flower gardens. She took trips to Kentucky, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Florida, Tennessee, Mackinaw Island, to name a few. Her favorite traveling companions were her sister, Shirley, cousin, Copa, and friends, Kathie Hale and Stella Wilhite. She loved to go to garage sales.
In her final years, Fonda struggled with health issues, but her strength was an inspiration and a testimony to her love of life. In her final days, her home was filled with family and friends spending time with her and sharing stories. Fonda passed peacefully at home in Crestline on March 31, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Fonda is survived by her children: Steven (Lisa) Gibbons, Sherry (Bruce) Petrik-Scheuerer, Phill (Stephanie) Petrik, Shawn (Veronica) Petrik; sister, Shirley Roberts; grandchildren: Macy (Davis) Collins, Jordan Petrik, Emily (Alex) Langdon, Hunter Gibbons, Brent Scheuerer, Kassie (Najee) Rawls, Jace Petrik, Kacie Petrik, Kortney Petrik, Madison Swanciger, Michael Landen Petrik; great-grandchildren; Najee, Kai’mani, Liliana, Journee, and one on the way, Neo’Vani Jafond; nieces and nephews; Country, Danny, Cathy, Dennis, and Doug Collins, Shirl White, John and Tuesday Taylor; many great-nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Ringler. Special thanks to her neighbors, Cindy and Gary Bland.
Fonda was preceded in death by her father, Junior Collins, mother and stepfather, Eunice and Junior Taylor; brothers, Donald Collins, Tyrone and Ronnie Taylor; brother-in-law, Sam Roberts; and nephews; Terry Johnson and Daniel Ward. Fonda will be buried with the ashes of her brothers, Tyrone and Ronnie Taylor.
Friends may call on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main St., Crestline, OH 44827. Friends may also call again prior to the service on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 10:00am until 11:00am. The service will immediately follow at 11:00am with Pastor Carol Kilgore officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Crestline.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with final expenses.
Those wishing to share a memory or Fonda or send condolences to the Petrik family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Merrill Fonda Petrik.