Marilyn Ann (Radel) Davis

Marilyn A. (Radel) Davis, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister of Cardington, age 77 passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Marion General Hospital. She was born on April 30, 1948, in Marion, OH to the late Harry Edward and Grace Leona (Loyer Ruehrmund) Radel.

Marilyn was a proud graduate of Cardington High School, Class of 1966, where her love for education led her on a life long journey of teaching and educating in every way possible. She earned her bachelors degree in educationfrom The Ohio State University at Marion, preparing her for a meaningful career. Demonstrating her dedication to personal and professional growth, Marilyn later returned to her studies and, in 1997, achieved her master's degree in curriculum and instruction.

On December 19, 1981, at St. John Lutheran Church (Windfall), Marilyn married Robert D. Davis, and they spent 43 years of marriage together until Bob's passing in June of 2025.

Marilyn dedicated 37 years to teaching at Cardington, where she made a lasting impact on generations of students. In that time she taught kindergarten, first grade, special education and Title I reading. Early in her career, Marilyn was proud to have been able to replace her first grade teacher (Mabel Hindman) and teach in the very same room where she attended first grade. She also taught adult education for 7 years, helping individuals obtain their GED's. Marilyn had fond memories of the special projects she shared with her students, especially hatching chickens and raising a Grand Champion duck named Donald that her first grade class entered in the Morrow County Fair.

Her commitment to helping every child succeed left a meaningful and enduring legacy within the community and school, where she served on the Cardington Public Library Board for 14 years, the Cardington-Lincoln Board of Education for 8 years, and was inducted into the Cardington Alumni Hall of Fame in 2017.

She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teacher society as well as a member of the Morrow County Retired Teachers Association. Marilyn was a member of the Chester Arbor Gleaners, and St. Paul Lutheran Church. She served on the Morrow County Fair Board for 10 years where she was proud to be the first female elected to the board. During this time she also served as an advisor of the Shaw Creek Farmers 4-H club with her husband Bob.

Marilyn is survived by her two daughters, Alicia Davis and Julie (Aric) Jones of Cardington; two granddaughters, Rylie and Ava Jones; sister, Karen Anderson of Cypress, TX; brother, Howard (Marlene) Radel of Cardington; sister-in-law, Tina Radel of Cardington; aunt, Rita (Radel) Barton of Mount Gilead along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

In addition to her parents and husband, Marilyn was preceded in death by a brother, Loren Radel and brothers-in-law Tom Anderson, Eugene P. (Nancee) Davis and James T. (Mary) Davis.

Friends may call on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Gompf Funeral Home, 440 Center Street in Cardington. The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 336 West Main St. Cardington, Ohio 43315 at 10:00 am with Pastor Steven Dennis officiating. Following the service, the burial will take place in the Glendale Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the Cardington Alumni Association or the Cardington Library to assist with their summer reading program.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the Davis family with Marilyn's final wishes. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gompffh.com.