Man, 89, dies awaiting sentencing in wife’s slaying

The elderly Delaware County man who was awaiting sentencing for manslaughter in the slaying of his wife of 63 years, has died.

Ernest Francis Rayfield, 89, of Springfield, died Saturday, according to a death notice posted in the Inquirer.

In August, Rayfield stabbed his 87-year-old wife, Mary, who was suffering from dementia. He then knelt by her side waiting for police to arrive. He called his daughter and told her he "had had enough."

Rayfield was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in December. The plea made him eligible for bail and he was released to the custody of his son, Paul, in West Chester. A court hearing was scheduled for Monday, according to court records.

The Navy veteran who worked for Scott Paper had tenderly cared for his wife, a former Marine, in their Springfield home. About 15 years ago, she began to show signs of dementia. In the weeks leading up to her death, her mood had suddenly turned violent and she was seen hitting her husband. He hid the beating from his family, neighbors said at the time of her death.

Neighbors described the two as a devoted and loving couple. They raised four children in a cute brick Cape Cod home on a quiet street. They attended church, played bridge, danced, and vacationed to Virginia with neighbors. The couple doted on their large brood of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services are set for Wednesday.

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