Trending
COLUMBUS -- Marilyn Jane Thomas, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2026, following a prolonged illness.
She was born Jan. 13, 1947, in Warren, the daughter of Calvin and Mary Lawrence.
A proud native of Warren and later of Howland Township, Marilyn was a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School. Her passion for learning led her to pursue higher education at both Bowling Green State University and Kent State University, where she earned her associate degree in business. She worked at Packard Electric/Delphi Automotive for the entirety of her career and retired after more than 35 years.
Marilyn was a member of Howland Community Church and Eastern Star. She was a dedicated volunteer in her community. She gave her time to the Upton House and the Trumbull Art Guild. She loved the outdoors -- her favorite places were national parks -- and she became a master gardener after she retired. She was an avid skier for many years, starting with her days in the Warren Ski Club, and enjoyed sharing that passion for the sport with her children. Always up for an adventure, she enjoyed traveling, with her favorite place being France. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on her beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. Beyond her creative pursuits, Marilyn was an active voice in her community as a member of the Trumbull County Republican Women's Club, reflecting her dedication to civic engagement and her belief in staying involved in her community. She also enjoyed working the polls on Election Day. Most of all, she loved being a grandmother and adored her granddaughter. She doted on Emma endlessly and loved watching her play all of her sports, just as she did with her children.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Mary Ringer Lawrence; her parents-in-law, Robert and Mary Thomas; and her brother-in-law, Christopher Thomas.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert Thomas; daughter, Allison (Ryan) Binkley of Columbus; son, Michael Thomas of Twinsburg; granddaughter, Emma Binkley of Columbus; sister, Patricia (Peter) Nelman of Warren; brothers-in-law, Larry (Helen) Thomas of Youngstown, Corey (Linda) Thomas of Cinebar, Washington, Richard (Debbie) Thomas of Howland, and Gene (Val) Thomas of Canfield; and sisters-in-law, Betty Jane Thomas of Youngstown and Susan (Tom) Davis of Austintown; along with many nieces and nephews. Her beloved cat, Ellie, never left her side during her illness.
Marilyn's family would like to thank her care providers at The Ohio State University's James Cancer Institute and Solove Research Center for the kind and compassionate care they gave Marilyn over the past four years.
In keeping with Marilyn's request, her funeral and burial will be private.
(special notice)