Marilyn Jean Smith

Marilyn Jean Smith, 81, formerly of Sidney, Ohio, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026, in Logan Acres Care Center, Bellefontaine.

She was born in Lewistown, Ohio on January 10, 1945, the daughter of the late Paul and Ida (Hessberger) Burden. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Pat McGowan and Shirley Kilgore.

On November 27, 1964, she married Michael L. Smith in St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bellefontaine and he survives.

She is also survived by their three children, Jodi (Brian) Brunson, Christy Struck, and James (Carolyn Reif) Smith, three grandchildren, Jessica (Brandon) Davis, Joshua (Brittney) Struck, Scott (Rachael) Brunson, five great grandchildren, Caroline Davis, Ben Davis, Logan Struck, Clayton Struck, and Lacey Struck, a sister, Carol Collins, and a brother, Jerry Burden, and several nieces and nephews.

Marilyn worked in childcare for more than 20 years, babysitting and caring for children. She was a longtime active member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Sidney, where she was involved with the Prayer Group and music ministry, playing guitar for the Saturday masses. She enjoyed sewing and loved gardening and caring for her flower beds.

Father Shawn Landenwitch will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00am in St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, 464 Madison Avenue, Russells Point, Ohio 43348, where all friends and family are welcome. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Belle Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Logan Acres Care Center (Activity Fund), 2739 County Road 91, Bellefontaine, OH 43311 or to ViaQuest Hospice, 525 Metro Place North, Suite 300, Dublin, Ohio 43017.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the ­­­Smith family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com

TFD