Marilyn Jean Lehman

Marilyn (Stephens) Lehman, 83, of Lima, died at 2:25 p.m., Thursday, March 8, 2018 at her residence, with her children by her side. She was born Oct. 3, 1934, in Lima, the daughter of Victor R. and Helen (McDermott) Stephens, both preceding her in death. On Aug. 11, 1952, she married Roger Gene Lehman, the man she met at her friend’s home in Bluffton, driving a 1950 red Ford, who asked her to marry him before he left to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. He preceded her in death on Oct. 24, 2009.

Also surviving are her children: daughter, Belinda Pinyerd Zipf, PhD and her husband, William B. Zipf, MD of Hilton Head, SC; and son, Gregory D. (Dawn) Lehman of Lafayette, IN; brother, Robert Stephens of Arlington, TX; six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her beloved dogs, MarLe and Thor. Outside of her family, she cherished time with her Bible and Euchre friends, too numerous to mention in total. Special friends who were tremendous help to the family through Marilyn’s short illness include Alicia, Sue, Cheryl, Darla, Judy, Kathy, and her special niece, Betsy.

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Jack (Marilyn) Stephens, Sandra (Ken) Gorby, plus one of her faithful Golden Retrievers, Rambo.

Marilyn was a 1952 graduate of Lima Central High School where she was a majorette for three years. Marilyn and Roger moved back to Lima in 1955, from Southern Pines, SC, as Roger began his career with Standard Oil. They enjoyed vacationing in Pensacola, FL, riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycle across the country, and cruises with family through Paris and Alaska.

Marilyn enjoyed cooking, shopping, cross-stitching, reading, crossword puzzles, playing Euchre at the American Legion Post 96, where she was a member of the Auxiliary, and a member of the Elks. She fed her faith by being a member of two Bible study groups and attending the Forest Park United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will begin at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at First Evangelical and Reformed Church, 320 W. Wayne, Lima, with Alicia Moor presiding over the services. Entombment will follow in Memorial Park Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 1:30 until the time of services Wednesday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Angels for Animals, 4750 W South Range Rd, Canfield, OH 44406 or CHP Home Care & Hospice, 3719 Shawnee Road, Lima OH 45806.

Condolences may be expressed at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com.

Real faith isn’t a show. Real faith comes from the Spirit of God—it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Heb 11:1). It happens in the middle of the night when you have no idea how you will make it, but you know: God knows.” (Various authors) Throughout her short illness, Marilyn exhibited a faith in her final resting place that was admired by all who visited her. Read these words and remember her.