Marilyn A. Kieft, 69, loving wife, mother, and teacher

Marilyn Ann (Krebs) Kieft , 69 of Ashland passed away from complications of brain cancer on Monday, July 23rd, at The Good Shepherd Nursing Facility in Ashland. She was born January 2, 1949 in Ashland the daughter of Edwin and Clara Belle (Harry) Krebs. She married Gerald Kieft in 1974, and they have resided in Ashland for the past 44 years.

After having her children, Marilyn earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1995 and a Master of Education in 2004, both from Ashland University. She was a passionate preschool teacher and director and a dedicated member of the Christ United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for several years. Her homemade sourdough bread and muffins were highly sought after by her devoted patrons at local farmers' markets and Local Roots. Bookkeeping for her husband's business was also among her skill set. Some of her other interests included gardening, sewing, completing puzzles and crosswords, playing games with her children and grandchildren, tutoring students, and life-long learning. Marilyn will be remembered by many as a "Jill of numerous skills" who loved deeply, lived fervently, and taught continuously, all while being adorned in bright, colorful clothing.

Marilyn will be profoundly missed by her husband of almost 44 years, Jerry Kieft of Ashland, four children Alexis (Edward) Johnson of Asheville, NC, Cathy Goldsmith of Washington, DC, Aubrey (Nathan) Marbaugh of Marysville, and Spencer Kieft of Akron, 5 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, as well as several family members, friends, and decades of adoring students.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, August 1st, at 6:00pm, at Christ United Methodist Church in Ashland. A reception in the church's Fellowship Hall will follow the service. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, July 31st from 6:00-8:00pm, at Christ United Methodist Church in Ashland, as well as before the service on Wednesday from 5:00-6:00pm. Wearing bright colors is strongly encouraged, in memory of Marilyn's colorful personality and attire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local charity, school supply drive, Brain Cancer research organization, or Christ United Methodist Church Children's Ministries. The family would like to thank Pathways of Hospice, Wooster Community Hospital Rehab units, and the multitude of agencies and community members who treated Marilyn and her family with love, care, and kindness in their time of need.

Fickes Funeral Home in Jeromesville assisted the family arrangements.