Marcella Elizabeth (Payne) Commerford was born on March 09, 1921, in Grace Township, Chippewa County, to George Walter and Marjorie (Cronen) Payne. She was baptized on April 4, 1921 at the Church of St. Bridget in DeGraff, Minnesota. She was confirmed on July 9, 1933 by Archbishop Murray at the Church of St. Bridget. Marcella grew up in Grace Township in Chippewa County. She attended District 56 Chippewa County School through the 8th grade and graduated from Benson High School in 1939. On April 17, 1940, Marcella was united in marriage to Warren Commerford at the Church of St. Bridget in DeGraff by Rev. John Troy. They farmed in the Maynard area in Chippewa County until they moved to Benson in 1968. They were able to share more than 60 years of marriage. She worked at Jo Jeans for a number of years and then became co-owner of Fashion Flair Women's Apparel. Later, she served as a Bus Coordinator for Jackpot Junction. Marcella was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and St. Francis Family Group, past member of Grace Homemakers Club, the Benson Golf Club, and Women's Whist Club. Among the things she enjoyed were playing cards with friends and grandchildren, music, traveling, spending winters in Texas, being involved in Senior Citizen Activities, but most of all, spending time with her family. She was called from this life on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Golden Living Center - Meadow Lane. Marcella attained the age of 92 years, 1 month, and 1 day. She is survived by her children: Richard (Jackie) Commerford, of Benson, Norman (Marie) Commerford, of Danvers, Beverly (Donald) Nagler, of Benson, Marjorie (Gerald) Olson, of Danvers, and Robert Commerford, of Danvers; 13 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 8 step-great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Kathleen Diederich, of Sauk Centre, Agnes Walleen, of Akron, Ohio, and Lotus Commerford, of Belgrade; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Marcella was preceded in death by her husband, Warren (Bub) in 2000; her parents, George and Marjorie Payne; brothers: Alvin Payne and Howard Payne; two grandchildren; one daughter-in-law; and one step-great-granddaughter.
