Marilyn Jane (Bell) Frantz, 87 (39 and holding!), of Smithville, died on Monday, January 13, 2025.

She was born on August 21, 1937, in Hoboken, New Jersey to William and Peggy (Kosmahl) Bell. On June 6, 1959, she married Lowell Frantz. They were married for 64 years.

Marilyn drove school buses for Green Local (Smithville) Schools, had her own radio show on gardening (one of her passions), and also worked for Cosmikote, Smucker’s, the Wayne County Home (Care Center), and the Smithville Inn. After her children had graduated from high school, Marilyn decided to return to college and attend as a “non-traditional student”, receiving her Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from the University of Akron and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Ashland University. She taught for many years, both at Chippewa Local Schools as a Gifted Teacher and at Akron Public Schools at Voris Elementary, where she taught third and fourth grades. Marilyn also held the honorary degree of A.A.D. (Almost A Doctor), providing tender care for all the neighborhood kids for a variety of bumps, cuts, or tears. In her spare-time she was a Cub Scout leader.

Marilyn loved to sing. After moving from New Jersey to Parma, Ohio, she sang in her church choir. When a new choir director came to her church, she eventually asked him out on a date. Shortly thereafter, she married him, and together Marilyn and Lowell settled in Smithville and raised a family. For many years, Marilyn played organ and sang in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church choir (where Lowell also directed), the Wayne County Choral Union, Cantate Singers, and sang in the Messiah at Oak Grove Mennonite Church for many years. Marilyn loved teaching her kids and grandkids to play the piano, and thoroughly enjoyed playing bass drum for the Wooster Community Band with her husband, son, and grandson.

Aside from her passion for music, Marilyn loved seeing the beauty around her. She spent countless hours gardening and was often seen enjoying working the soil in her flower and vegetable gardens. She often enlisted the help of family members and anyone else nearby to share in her gardening passion. A passion which has been passed on through to her children and grandchildren. From a sunrise, a flower, or her grandchildren and thanking God for each and every moment. It was this outlook, a ready smile, and listening ear which proved infectious for those around Marilyn.

Later in life, Marilyn lived at Smithville Western Commons Assisted Living, where earlier in life she volunteered countless hours. While there she still enjoyed gardening, bringing smiles to other’s faces, and passing out chips to her grandchildren during visits. Sundays would find her at the Smithville Brethren Church or Wednesdays in fellowship with life-long friends at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Marilyn is survived by her sons Steven (Chin-Chin), Ron (Emily), and David (Petra), grandchildren Nathan, Michael, Selena, Eric, Elizabeth, Natalie, and Stevie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lowell, and brothers Laurence (Valerie) Bell and William (Barb) Bell.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Smithville Brethren Church, 193 E. Main St., Smithville with Pastors Art Carr, Scott Fetter, Kristy Buyok officiating. Friends will be received immediately following the service and lunch will be served.

Contributions may be made directly to the Camp Bethany fund at Smithville Brethren Church.

McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com