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BRISTOLVILLE -- Marlene King Hillman, affectionately known as Marlene to friends, Mom "Mert" to children, and Grandma to grandchildren, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 89.
Marlene's journey of life would begin on Sept. 25, 1936, to the parents of Herman and Clara R. Smith Reibel. Marlene would live her entire life in a place she loved to call home, Bristolville.
Marlene was a 1954 graduate of Bristol High School and also was the prom queen. In her high school years and beyond, Marlene spent a large amount of time with her lifelong best friend, Gwen Shumaker Richman. Together they shared trips, race tracks, laughs and a few tears.
Marlene was also a proud second-generation member of Eastern Star and just recently received her 70-year pin.
In 1956, Russell and his brother Kenneth started King Brothers Feed & Supply. On Sept. 6, 1958, Russell and Marlene married and then took sole ownership of King Bros. Over time, King Bros. grew, along with the family. Marlene worked well into her 80s, answering phones, being a decision maker and greeting customers. The business not only provided an income, but also many friendships throughout the 70 years of business.
Russ and Marlene in 1973 expanded their family's love for racing, purchasing their first race car. In the beginning, the King Bros Racing team hosted many drivers, such as Ted Wise, Russ Woolsey, Vic George, Tommy Jarrett and Harold Kemery. In later years, their youngest son, Rex, had taken over the wheel. Marlene was proud to say the race team raced consecutively for 53 years.
After the passing of Russell in 1985, Marlene remained the matriarch of King Bros. At the time there were few woman owners in the industry. Along with her youngest son, dedicated employees, family and friends, Marlene stood tall through the trials and tribulations of being a business owner.
In 1988, Marlene had the blessing of reconnecting with her high school sweetheart, Tom Hillman. Just like high school they dated, until their marriage on March 4, 1993. The couple loved visiting with friends, traveling, camping and going to the races. They enjoyed functions together with their blended family, but most of all they enjoyed being with each other. Marlene was truly blessed to have, not just one love of her life, but two.
Marlene's memory will be cherished by her children, Rex A. (Mary) King of Bristolville, Michele Hillman of Bristolville, Thomas (Keeley) Hillman of Cortland and Scott (Linda) King of Bristolville; grandchildren, Russell (Ashley) King, Rex A. (Aleasa) King, Paige King, Jill Halstead, Katie Wellman, Brandon (Jen) Williams, Kayla Allen, Michael (Heather) Hillman, Kristy Broadwater; and 16 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, O'Ine Schoonover, Penny (Jerry) Callahan; brother-in-law, Ed (Clora) Hillman; and many nieces and nephews.
Beside her parents, Russell, Tom and in-laws, Marlene is preceded in death by her sister, Carol Stanford; brother-in-law, William Stanford; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth & Jane King; brothers-in-law, Jerry Schoonover and Larry Hillman Jr.; sister-in-law, Barbara Hillman Doumont.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Marlene's friends and caretakers, Linda Free, Denise Gray, Rosabeth Mast, Anita Williams, Linda Yoder, Delores DiGiacomo, Myrna Frantz, Kendall Fleming and Jessica Haapala. The love and comfort these ladies gave to Marlene was beyond measure.
Family and Friends are welcome to honor the memory of Marlene from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Bristol Community Church, 6271 Park Drive, Bristolville, OH 44402.
Funeral Services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Bristol Community Church.
Carl W. Hall Funeral Home has been entrusted with her arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family request material contributions be made to the Bristol Lighting Committee, PO Box 254, Bristolville, OH 44402, or the Bristol Community Church, P.O. Box 234, Bristolville, OH 44402, in her memory.
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