Obituary for Marilyn Jean (Anderson) Pemberton

Marilyn Jean (Anderson) Pemberton, 89, of Kenton was born on April 29, 1936, to the late Charles and Irene (Rish) Anderson of Kenton, Ohio. On April 7, 2026, with her family at her side, she went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.      

Marilyn was a graduate of Forest High School class of 1954. On October 28, 1956, she married Paul A. Pemberton of Kenton at St. John’s UCC in Kenton where she was a lifetime member. Marilyn was an active member of St. John’s Women’s Guild, Miriam Circle. Marilyn, a faithful woman, also attended Silver Creek Church in Kenton. She was a lifetime member of the Kenton Moose Lodge and Greenwood Grange in Forest.  

Mrs. Pemberton worked at Nationwide in Columbus, Ohio upon graduation. She then worked for Hanna Law Office in Kenton. Marilyn then left her career to become a fulltime mother on the family farm until she eventually returned to work at Hardin Memorial Hospital in admissions until retiring in 1986.

Without a doubt, Marilyn’s most important role was that of a loving, nurturing wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband Paul and yearned to reach 70 years of marriage this year in October.

Marilyn loved to garden, can, and bake. Her specialty was a scratch-made peach pie and homemade strawberry shortcake with berries from her garden.  Mrs. Pemberton also ran a family dairy business and farm with her husband Paul until 2015. It was common to see her driving a grain truck down country roads to the elevator.

The phrase “Live, Laugh, and Love” surely described Marilyn. She did not know a stranger and welcomed everyone to her home. Her contagious laugh and genuine concern for people made the world a better place.

Marilyn was an avid reader and at times would rather read than eat. She loved the Hardin County Fair and entered family heirlooms often in the Antique division exhibit. Most of all Marilyn loved spending time with her family.  She cherished them. They were her life. She attended countless ballgames, dance recitals, choir performances, and birthday parties throughout the years. Marilyn also loved to travel and could pack a bag in no time at all. She also loved going to Virginia with her daughter to visit her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lastly Marilyn loved to try her luck at the slots in casinos. Though not a big winner, her family and friends know she won the biggest jackpot…eternity in paradise with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Marilyn will be sadly missed by all.

At her birth, Marilyn was preceded in death by a twin sister, Wilma Jean Anderson, a daughter, Betty Born, brothers and their spouses David (Teresa) Anderson of Ridgeway, Ohio and Willis (Marion) Anderson of Kenton.

In addition to her husband of 69 years, Marilyn is survived by a daughter, Brenda (Kevin) Wolfe of Findlay, Ohio and son, Richard (Melissa) of Kenton. Sisters, Linda (Kenneth) Green of Kenton and Nancy (Tom) Terrill of Ridgeway.

Marilyn’s legacy also continues with five grandchildren, Amanda (Travis) Wilson of Dinwiddie, Virginia, Joshua (Ashley) Pemberton of New Bloomington, Ohio, Lucas (Erin) Hastings of Findlay, Ohio, Amber (Bradley) Pickford of Belle Center, Ohio, and Troy Wolfe of Findlay, Ohio. Great grandchildren of Marilyn include Harper Wilson, Coltley Wilson, Jameson Hastings, Brent Hastings, Bralynne Pickford, Xavier Pickford, Coleson Pickford, and Atlas Pemberton.

Funeral services for Marilyn will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton with Pastor Mark Bishop officiating. Burial will follow at Grove Cemetery. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Home Health and Hospice, Hardin County Council on Aging, Hardin County Fair, and Silver Creek Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.