Marilyn I. Thomas

Marilyn Irene Thomas, 85, of Bucyrus, died Friday, October 18, 2024 at Orchard Park surrounded by her daughters after an 18 month battle with cancer.

She was born July 24, 1939 in Marion, Ohio to the late Harry C. and Dorothy I. (Boyer) Lee and graduated from LaRue High School where she enjoyed being a majorette. On July 22, 1960, she married Eugene E. Thomas, sharing nearly 35 years of marriage until his passing on June 1, 1995.

Marilyn cared for her family as a homemaker and also babysat for other families. In 1975, she was hired at Bucyrus Community Hospital as a nurse’s aide and years later, when the hospital built its Specialty Center, became a manager and continued that role until retirement.

Marilyn was a great provider throughout her life. She sewed and crocheted when there was a need and cooked some fantastic meals. Many are grateful for her cheeseburgers and handmade donuts. She was a Girl Scout Leader, when her girls were active and once grandchildren entered the picture, she became a “hands on” nana, loving them any way possible.

Marilyn loved joking and having fun with others. She shared many games of BINGO, card games and shopping trips with both friends and family and it’s fair to say, if someone ran out of something, Marilyn most likely had it on hand at home. She looked forward to her monthly meetings with fellow hospital retirees at The Pelican Coffee House and liked day trips to Lake Erie. She was a big OSU Buckeye fan and also cheered for the Cleveland Guardians. Marilyn was happiest at home and preferred sitting on her front porch, sipping coffee, and socializing with others as they’d pass by. To keep her mind sharp, she liked to read, and work Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles. She was grateful for the socialization with others while at Orchard Park, where she made many friendships and was given a few nicknames while there. Marilyn believed in love over hate, and inspired others to consider…” if they aren’t bothering you, then let them be”. We all deserve happiness.

She will be missed by her daughters, Colene Thomas, Jolene Thomas, Cathlene (Scott) Slayton, and Karlene Humphrey; grandchildren, Shaylene (Greg) Lee, Kaylene (Brett) Love, Thomas Stump, Evan Humphrey and Ryan Humphrey; great grandchildren, Ezra and Clayton Lee and grand pup, Gidget Love; sisters, Tina (Eddie) Misavage, Marjorie Schorr and Marsha Miller as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gene, Marilyn was preceded in death by brothers, Dick, Howard, Mike, Bill and Tom Lee and sisters, Mary Margaret Haberman and Katy Boles.

Marilyn’s daughters invite family and friends to meet at her graveside in Oakwood Cemetery, where her funeral will begin at 1:00 pm Thursday, October 24 with her nephew, Rick Balch officiating. For those able to attend, her family encourages everyone to wear Ohio State attire as Marilyn loved the Buckeyes!

If desired, donations can be made payable to the City of Bucyrus and all gifts will be donated to the Aumiller Pool Fund. These donations will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.