Marilyn J. VanBuskirk Knief, 89, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 5:48 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2020 at Mary Rutan Hospital. She was born in DeGraff, OH on June 5, 1930, the daughter of the late Edgar and Hazel (Garver) Miller.
She is survived by her three daughters; Valerie (Martin) Cromes of Ravenna, OH, Leslie (Dave) Kueterman of Monroe, MI, and Amy (Sharon) VanBuskirk of Longbottom, OH, eight grandchildren; Brad Cromes, Adam Cromes, Tiffany Rosselot, Tabitha Glassburn, Jamie Dearwester, Amber Simkins, Kevin Dearwester, and Nathan Kueterman, nine great grandchildren; Dalton, Kaden, Eliot, Wyatt, Emerson, Henry, Tiffani, Sarah, and Savannah, one great-great grandchild, Kova, and a sister Connie Houchin, and a son-in-law; Randy Dearwester of Columbus, OH, and several nieces and nephews.
Marilyn grew up in DeGraff and graduated from DeGraff High School in 1948. She married Robert VanBuskirk in 1953 and had five daughters. They later divorced. She then married E. Darrell Knief in 1984 and he preceded her in death in 2006. She was also preceded in death by two daughters: Vicki Gist, Bobbi Dearwester and a son-in-law, Steven Gist.
She retired from LeRoi Dresser in Sidney after 24 years as an executive secretary. She also worked as a police officer in DeGraff for five years. Marilyn enjoyed her time volunteering with both the Riverside and Bellefontaine school districts. She liked to square dance, play cards, and enjoyed reading. Her greatest joy in life were her daughters.
Pastor Kevin Greenwald will officiate a memorial service at 12Noon on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the First Christian Church, 215 E Sandusky Avenue, Bellefontaine. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5455 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The staff of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Bellefontaine is honored to serve Marilyn’s family and we encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com .