Marilyn Ruth Hardesty

Marilyn Ruth Hardesty, age 90, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 1, 2022 with her family by her side. Born August 6, 1932 in Ravenna, Ohio, she was the daughter of Fred and Ruth Plum Reed.

A strong woman of faith, Marilyn was an active member of Kent’s First Christian Church where she faithfully served in the quilting guild, choir, and helped organize monthly spaghetti dinners to support the church. Prior to retirement, Marilyn was employed for 28 years as Secretary to the Dean of the School of Library Science at Kent State University. She was also heavily invested in the Kent community, supporting her city councilman husband, Dal. Known for her love of poetry, she easily quoted verses in conversation.

Indisputably, her greatest passion was being “Mrs. Dal Hardesty,” and also the mother, grandmother, and “GG” of the family they created. Joyful times spent with family camping and in the outdoors, as well as celebrating loved ones’ milestones and achievements were her greatest memories. To love unconditionally, work diligently, show gratitude for life’s blessings, and to always persevere is the legacy she leaves behind—an indelible mark on all those whom she touched.

She is survived by her children, Stephen (Frances) Hardesty of Brimfield, Ohio; David (Mary) Hardesty of Littlestown, Penn.; Beverly (Mark) Humiston of Colleyville, Texas; and Amy Sehm of North Canton, Ohio (Neal Sehm). Marilyn is also survived by her brother, Donald Reed of Ravenna, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Dal M. Hardesty; brothers Richard and Ted, and sisters Pauline and Carolyn.

A memorial service will be officiated by the Rev. Amanda Moore on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11:00 am at First Christian Church, 335 West Main St., Kent, OH 44240. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00-11:00AM on Saturday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church of Kent or the Kent Lions Club, located at 2484 4th St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.

Services in Care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.