Marilyn J. Foster

Marilyn J. Foster, age 86, of Strasburg, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2017, in Country Club Retirement Center, Dover.

Born September 26, 1930, in Akron, she was the daughter of the late Edwin E. and Helen M. Raubenholt Starner. Marilyn graduated from Akron's Kenmore High School, and shortly afterward married William R. "Bill" Foster on June 3, 1949. The couple reared four children and shared nearly fifty-four years of marriage prior to Bill's passing on May 10, 2003. After her children were grown, Marilyn worked as a drug and alcohol counselor.

She was a gentle soul, dedicated wife and mother; thoughtful, giving and sensitive to the needs of others, she loved the Lord with all her heart. Marilyn was a faithful member of Strasburg United Methodist Church, and crafted hundreds and hundreds of cards for the church's card ministry. She was passionate in her support of the Alzheimer's Association, a disease her husband was afflicted with. Her family also lovingly remembers Marilyn's fondness for peach tea and butterflies.

Survivors include her daughters, Linda (Jerry) Herman of Strasburg, Deborah (James) Erin-Humphreys of Stone Creek, Susie (Jimmy) Fulks of New Philadelphia, and Jennifer (Bruce) Stanton of Auburn, California; her seven grandchildren; her twelve great-grandchildren; her brother, Bernard M. Starner of Maryville, Tennessee; and her several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 28, at 11 a.m., Strasburg United Methodist Church, with Pastor Jason Humble officiating. Following the service, there will be a luncheon in the church's social hall. To sign and online guestbook and share a fond memory of Marilyn, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the Toland-Herzig website.

The family suggests that contributions in Marilyn's memory be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 408 Ninth St. S.W., Canton, Ohio 44707.