Marilyn M. Foster

Marilyn Foster (née Miller) of Medina, Ohio passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, at the age of 85. Born October 19, 1940, in Sidney, Ohio, she was the eldest child of the late Bill and Mary Miller. Marilyn grew up in Troy, Ohio, alongside her younger brother, Robert, who was born six years later.

Marilyn graduated as valedictorian of Troy High School in 1958 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1962, graduating cum laude.

From 1962 to 1965, Marilyn taught kindergarten and second grade in the Southwestern City School District in Columbus, Ohio, and later first grade in the Granville Exempted Village Schools. It was in Granville that her aunt - who happened to be Ken Foster’s Latin and French teacher - introduced her to the man who would become her husband. Marilyn and Ken were married on June 20, 1964, and this year marked their 62nd wedding anniversary. In 1965, they settled in Berea, Ohio, where they welcomed two sons, David in 1966 and John in 1969, and built a loving home that became the heart of their family life.

Prior to becoming a mother, Marilyn continued her career teaching first grade in the Berea Schools. Once her children were older, she furthered her education at Cleveland State University, earning her Certification in Teaching the Learning Disabled, which allowed her to devote herself to helping children with special needs reach their potential. Later, she applied her skills and warmth in the business world, serving as a receptionist and secretary for several local companies. Dedicated and hardworking, she even mowed lawns to help fund her sons’ college educations.

In her later years, Marilyn focused much of her time on volunteer work alongside Ken. Together, they served with Southwest Community Outreach, where she offered support through transportation, respite care, visitation, and shopping for those in need. She and Ken also shared a love for their hometown baseball team, volunteering with the Cleveland Indians, where they assisted with Winterfest, postseason events, and even an All-Star game.

Marilyn loved cooking, delighting in preparing favorite meals for her family and grandchildren, and treasured every moment spent with them. The family shared many camping adventures in their tent camper, creating countless memories. Marilyn also enjoyed reading, dining out with friends, picking blueberries, and spending time playing cards or board games and working on puzzles.

One of Marilyn’s favorite annual getaways was to Lake Hope, where she and Ken gathered with dear friends to enjoy the beauty of nature, share good food, play games, and linger over laughter-filled conversations.

Marilyn discovered one of life’s greatest joys in 1997 when she became a grandmother. Blessed with four grandsons, she may have wished for a girl but embraced her role with boundless love. Known first to them as “Meemaw,” and together with “Gramp,” she filled their childhoods with hikes in nature, visits to children’s museums, playful afternoons at the park, and steadfast support at every concert, birthday, holiday, and graduation.

She delighted in keeping family traditions alive—wrapping gifts inside layers of nested boxes to heighten the suspense, decorating for every holiday, and hosting extravagant egg-coloring sessions with her boys. Always eager to join their world, Marilyn would drop to the floor to play any game they chose, laughing even when she inevitably lost. Devoted and joyful in her role, she cherished every moment with her grandsons and treasured their bond throughout her life.

In 2004, Marilyn was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. In 2019, she and Ken moved to the Western Reserve Masonic Community, where she faced the challenges of this horrible disease with remarkable courage, determination, and unwavering effort, always with Ken faithfully by her side. She deeply appreciated the care and support of the many doctors, therapists, nurses, and aides who assisted her along the way. Known for her playful sense of humor, Marilyn brought smiles to those around her, and she remained profoundly grateful for the love, prayers, and support of her family and friends.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Ken; her children, Dave (Mary Sue) and John (Lynn); her grandchildren, Tom, Jackson, Brayden, and Ryan; her sisters-in-law, Rita Miller and Evelyn Butt; and her brother-in-law, Gary Foster. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Mary Miller, and her brother, Bob.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Berea, 170 Seminary Street, Berea, Ohio. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation, or the United Methodist Church of Berea in Marilyn’s memory.