Marilyn Shaffer

Marilyn Ruth (Reid) Shaffer passed away on June 20, 2025.

Marilyn was born at home in rural Henry County on April 21, 1926, to Edith Pearl Meyers Reid and Glenn Dale Reid who preceded her in death. On August 27, 1950, in McClure, Ohio, she married James Alfred Shaffer who preceded her in death on May 13, 2018.

She was a graduate of McClure High School and Bowling Green State University where she was a member of Pi Omega Pi. She attended Union Chapel Missionary Church and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She previously was a Sunday school teacher.

Marilyn’s professional journey was marked by dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to empowering others through education. She began her working life in California’s garment industry, then served as a secretary at The Ohio State University Engineering Office and at Ohio Steel. But it was in the classroom where she found her true calling. Over the years, she taught business education at Haskins High School, Fostoria City Schools, Auglaize Local Schools, and Lima City Schools. Her career culminated at Rhodes State College (formerly Lima Technical College), where she not only taught, but helped shape the future of the college itself. As a founding faculty member, she was instrumental in developing the Secretarial and Office Administration program; laying the foundation for generations of students to succeed.

In 1984, her excellence was honored when she was named Outstanding Faculty Member. Her legacy lives on through an endowed scholarship established in her name, ensuring that her passion for education continues to uplift and inspire others.

She volunteered as a 4-H advisor for many years.

Marilyn enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, traveling, flowers, and was an avid reader.

Surviving are her son, David (Vivien) Shaffer of Harrod; and daughter, Jo (Bruce) McConnell of Spencerville; seven grandchildren: Jennifer Shaffer (Steve Etzler) of Harrod, Matthew (Bethany) Shaffer of Wapakoneta, Douglas (Ann Marie) Shaffer of Waynesfield, Nathan (Jenny) McConnell of Canal Fulton, Rachel (Jonathon) Koester of Lima, Tyler (Morgan) McConnell of Venedocia, and Claire (Billy) Taflinger of Lima; fourteen great-grandchildren: Kyle and Zane Newland, Autumn and Lauren Shaffer, Elijah and Isaiah Shaffer, Sophie and Sadie McConnell, Daniel and Philip Koester, Charlotte and Marcus McConnell, Will and Mary Kate Taflinger, and Baby Taflinger on the way. Marilyn is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy (Richard) Mowery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Agarwal, Dr. Bowlus, and the staff of Fresenius Home Dialysis for the extraordinarily compassionate and personal care they gave to Marilyn.

Visitation will be held on June 28, 2025 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Union Chapel Missionary Church. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held immediately following. The cremated remains will be buried at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union Chapel Missionary Church, 4869 Ada Road, Lima, OH 45801.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.