Marilyn Sue (Musser) Parker, 86, of Bellefontaine, passed away quietly, surrounded by family, Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Logan Acres Care Center, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
She was born in DeGraff on May 27, 1936, to the late James Clay and Lois Katherine (Rinehart) Musser. On June 8, 1956, Marilyn married Joseph E. Parker and he preceded her in death on March 4, 2002. She was also preceded in death by brothers Carey and Carl Musser, brother-in-law Don Baier, and nephews David Baier and Scott Musser.
Marilyn is survived by her children: Teresa Parker of Chicago, IL, Craig (Robin) Parker of West Liberty, Joseph E. “Joe” Parker II of Bellefontaine, and Cheryll (Scott) Gaver of Douglassville, GA; grandchildren: Chris (Deidra) Parker, Mark (Meggin) Parker, Catelyn (Jason) Burnside, Emily and Bailey Gaver, Jenna Jo (Ian) Schrader, and Phillip Parker-Turner; step-grandchildren: Jeffrey (Jen) Watson and Jeremy Watson; nine great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; a sister Alice Baier; sisters-in-law: Sandy Musser and Antoinette Musser; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was a member of DeGraff United Methodist Church and also a member of the Constance Chapter and Bellefontaine Chapter of Eastern Star. She was a bus driver and trainer for Riverside School District for 27 years. Marilyn also competed in the Ohio School Bus Rodeo Competition for several years and proudly displayed her awards from there. She loved her “bus” kids. Marilyn also meticulously painted and wallpapered homes.
Her hobbies included bowling, sewing, puzzles, reading, gardening, swimming, softball, racing and farming. As children, Marilyn and Alice made short work of their farm chores by always singing as they worked. They were never hard to find, all you had to do was listen. She was always in her pool and Joe built her a swing on the pool deck so she could enjoy her gardens and family. Many a little one was rocked to sleep in her arms. She loved her babies.
Marilyn was always accompanied by her favorite golden retriever Sugar whenever she was outside. She was an original recycler and could remake anything to be a useful object again. Marilyn was an avid bowler and donated her trophies to be repurposed for the 4-H projects in the fair. She loved playing league softball at the DeGraff Park. One of her favorite pastimes was watching her sons and grandsons race at Shadybowl on Saturday nights. She loved NASCAR. Anything that had to do with family and friends, you could count on Marilyn to be there to work or play.
A memorial service will be Thursday, June 8, at noon, at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, with Pastor Michael Mitchell officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon prior to the service. Private burial will be in Greenwood-Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Miami Valley Chapter, 6077 Far Hills Avenue, Dayton, OH 45459, or the American Cancer Society, 5555 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43017.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Parker family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.