Marilyn Neary

Marilyn Elaine Neary (née Meyers), age 89, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at Trinity of Beavercreek. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Elsie Meyers, and her brothers Ronald, Robert, and Richard. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, James P. Neary and their infant children, Joseph, and Jeffrey.

Marilyn was born on September 11, 1936, in Dayton, OH. She graduated from Fairmont High School, received her RN from Good Samaritan Hospital, and began her lifelong nursing career working as a public health nurse and then as an obstetrics nurse at Saint Elizabeth Hospital. She returned to school and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Dayton. She continued her career as a school nurse in the Dayton Public School System until retirement.

Caring for others was not just her profession; it was her way of moving through the world, grounded in faith and gratitude. Marilyn had a gift for making new friends wherever she went and could strike up a conversation with anyone, making people feel seen and at ease. Outside of nursing, she enjoyed gardening and refinishing furniture, pursuits that reflected her patience and creativity. She especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by five children: John (Donna) of Asheville, NC, Geralyn (Brad) Ferguson of West Carrollton, OH, Noreen (Mark Tapia) of Burton, OH, Brian (Melissa) of Xenia, OH, Christopher of Kettering, OH. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: John (Kerri), James (Meghan), Nicholas (Rebecca), Jacob (Arianna), Alexander (Audrey), Madeline, Maclain, Marisa (Gaven) Wilburn, Jackson, Weston; and fourteen great grandchildren: William, Bennett, James, Theodore, Grant, Wells, Aila, Lincoln, Stella, Brooks, Eyden, Finn, Walker, and Ashton, along with many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Altogether, her immediate family includes 25 boys and 6 girls across her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Dee (Leo) Anticoli and Patricia (Jack) Oetzel. Appreciation for Marilyn’s loving neighbors, David, Betsy, Henry, and George Jones. The Jones family always made Marilyn feel special and were always available for assistance. Marilyn’s children also wish to express their gratitude to Dona Gomez, who provided so much support to Marilyn.

Mass will be held at Emmanuel Catholic Church, 149 Franklin Street, Dayton, OH, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery, 1625 Calvary Drive, Dayton, OH. Arrangements and care are entrusted to Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Association for Glycogen Storage Disease (AGSD) 1542 Flammang Drive PMB 1004 Waterloo, IA 50702 or online at AGSD.org.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)