Marilyn Beers Obituary

Marilyn Rose Keefe Beers

Marilyn Rose Keefe Beers, 96, of Fostoria, passed away June 9, 2025, at Fostoria ProMedica Hospital. Marilyn was born August 13, 1928, at Tiffin Mercy Hospital to the late Pearl (Myers) Keefe Peter and Curtis Keefe. Marilyn married Richard H. Beers March 7, 1948, in Fostoria.

Marilyn is survived by sons, David (Lori) Beers and Jim Beers; daughters, Ellen Gatrell, Carol (Don) Wangler, and Janet Beers (Steve Holman), all of Fostoria; grandchildren, Tammi Garrett, Shawn Wangler, and Skyler Beers; great-grandchildren, Cameron Garrett and Cori (Alex) Kreif; great-great-granddaughter, Marlie Kreif; and sister Laurel Fox.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard (Dick) Beers; infant son, Richard H. Beers; granddaughter, Sarah Gatrell; sister, Gloria Yeager; and son-in-law, K. Wayne Gatrell.

Marilyn graduated from Fostoria High School in 1947 and was valedictorian of her class. Marilyn had worked at Fostoria Bersted Mfg. where her future mother-in-law, Anna Beers, introduced her to Richard. She worked occasionally as a cleaner and stated, "I've cleaned a lot of toilets." Most people will remember her from her 18-year tenure at Conine's Market and as a Review Times motor route carrier.

Marilyn resided most of her life as a child and later, after her marriage, in the Keefe family home on W. Fourth St., formerly Railroad St. Paternal grandmother Josephine Keefe owned the home and also resided there until her death. Her father, Curtis Keefe, was employed at Fruth Hardware. Curtis drove the family Buick to work each day. As a young child, the Toledo, Fostoria, and Findlay Interurban railroad tracks were removed from Main Street to Findlay Street, which was in front of her home. Marilyn wondered how her father would be able to arrive home from work with the street torn up. Her maternal and paternal family members were involved in Fostoria's industries, railroads, glass factories, and agriculture. Marilyn often talked about the Myers farm, located on Punk Hollow Road, and other family members. Great memories were made there with aunts, uncles, and cousins.

When the children were still at home, many summers were spent in Vermilion Bay, Ontario, Canada, visiting Kenny Null. Kenny owned Kwik-Shake Restaurant in Fostoria and a hunting and fishing lodge in Vermilion Bay, 1,200 miles from Fostoria. Five children in a three-seat Rambler station wagon listening to CKLW radio. Two weeks in August were spent there, visiting friends and shopping in the grocery stores, which featured English and French on the cereal boxes. After they both retired, Marilyn and Richard traveled in their RV through many states and Canada. Winter months were spent along the Gulf of Mexico states. Summers were spent exploring the Western states and traveling to Alaska to visit the Reiter family, who moved to Alaska in the 1960s.

Continuing her interest in Fostoria's history, she was a member of Fostoria Rail Preservation Society, Fostoria Ohio Glass Association, and Friends of the Library.

Memorial contribu-tions can be made to any of these organizations in her name.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home, 301 W. Tiffin Street, Fostoria, Ohio. Friends may visit with family one hour prior to time of service. Private burial of both Marilyn and Richard's cremains will take place at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hffh.net