Marilyn Joyce [Gast] Hanlin was born on January 16th, 1934, in Shandon, Ohio as the only child of Freeman and Anna Gast.  However, a young girl by the name of Betty Henry, and a young boy by the name of Gene Williams, ended up with the family, sort of giving her a brother and a sister.  Marilyn graduated from Ross High School, and, four years later, from Wilmington College.  She taught commercial courses at Woodrow Wilson High School at OSSO Home, and at Xenia High School.  Later, she worked as secretary at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

On the first day at Wilmington College, she met a young man by the name of Harold Hanlin.  He carried her suitcase to the frontdoor of the freshman girls' dormitory.  And, 72 years later, he was still carrying her suitcases.  Five years after meeting, the time was right for them to get married.  To that marriage came two daughters—Tonya [Dennis] Blubaugh and Tyra [Max Kessler/Keith] Derr.  To those marriages came seven grandkids—Jill Blubaugh, Kelly Blubaugh, Katy Blubaugh, Scott [Christina Zachariadou] Blubaugh, Hans [Meredith Holland] Kessler, Marta [Ryan] LeGrand, and Kurt Kessler.  Also, four great-grandchildren—Lucy, Max, Zoe, and Leo LeGrand.

Memorial Day was the time for an annual visit to Shandon, Ohio, to decorate the graves of her parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Marilyn was a keeper.  She kept in contact with friends for a lifetime.  Four girlfriends from high school, three girlfriends from college.  Church friends.  And ministers who impacted her life.  She kept letters, pictures, filled many scrapbooks, and kept family antiques.  Marilyn loved to decorate, fill bulletin boards, plant and fix flower arrangements, and fix food for those in need.  She was a very active church member all her life.

Think of Marilyn and think of what a gift God gave us.

Services in recognition of Marilyn, in care of Neeld Funeral Home, will be Monday June 30th, at the Xenia United Presbyterian Church.  If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Xenia United Presbyterian Church or to your own favorite charity.  Visitation 9:30-10:30AM, and the funeral at 11:00AM.  Rev. Mike Wakeland and Rev. Tim Shapiro officiating.