Grantsville, MD - GRANTSVILLE [mdash] Francis George Merrbach, 87, of Grantsville, died Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at UPMC Western Maryland, Cumberland.

Born Dec. 7, 1938, in Grantsville, he was the son of the late Theodore and Beulah (Butler) Merrbach. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Mae (Miller) Merrbach; one daughter, Paula Jean Bittinger; one grandson, Clifford Bittinger; and two sisters, Catherine Savage and Stella Whitacre.

Mr. Merrbach was a coal miner, and also worked at New Germany State Park in the Maintenance Dept. He was a member of the United Mine Workers Union.

He is survived by two daughters, Christina Merrbach, Grantsville; Cindi (Robert) Merrbach, Augusta, W.Va.; six brothers, Theodore Henry "Sonny" Merrbach and Oscar Merrbach, both of Grantsville; Harry Merrbach, Texas; Stanley Merrbach, Grantsville; Johnny Merrbach, Smithsburg; William Merrbach, LaVale; five grandchildren, Zoe Merrbach, Lyndsey Rubright, Chase Harding, Tanya Bittinger, and Tiffany Bittinger; and five great-grandchildren, Maria, Chelsea, Kaylan, Kayden, and Easton.

Friends will be received at Newman Funeral Homes, P.A., 179 Miller St., Grantsville, on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Dan Beavers officiating. Interment will be in the Merrbach Family Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.newmanfuneralhomes.com.