Marillyn Rosa Knight

Marillyn lived a remarkable life filled with love, accomplishments, never ceasing to challenge societal norms and break her own glass ceilings. Marilyn’s nurturing spirit and boundless love were evident in her role as a devoted mother and wife, grandmother and great-grandmother. Surviving her is her brother, Max Behrer (Sue Ann), sister in law, Martha Samble. She leaves behind her legacy of nine children. Merryly (Roger) Patterson, Mary, Suellyn (Steven Michael) Newton, Terry T. (Karen Pollitt), Max (Kris), Tom (Karen), Barbara (Jeff) Harvey, Bob, Jim (Tara). 15 grandchildren, Anne Patterson (Joe) Banks, Terresa (Matt) Petty, Tom Patterson (Anna Lu), Kevin Newton, Lisa Newton (Tony Smith), Erin Gladman (Greg), Megan (Joe) Whitford, Melissa Knight (Alex Musul), Monica Boldman (Justin), Katie Diez (Robert), Krista Harvey (James), Ashley Hunter (Danny) Natasha Knight, Trenton Knight (Carly), Troy Knight, Ashley Robinson (Dane). 21 great grandchildren, number 22 on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews. Marillyn was a proud member of the 1946 graduating class of Julienne High School. Attended the University of Dayton, where she was awarded a letter for her athleticism in Field Hockey. Studying Radiology until the school transferred back to hospital training, she became the first graduating member of the St. Elizabeth School of Radiology. Her dedication to the field led her to President of the Dayton area Radiologic Society, the Ohio Osteopathic Medical Assistants Association, also serving as a board member of the Ohio Society of Radiologic Technologists. Throughout her life, Marillyn’s commitment to giving back was evident in her extensive volunteer work. She tirelessly contributed her time and efforts to various committees and organizations. Notably, she volunteered with the Kettering Police Department, giving her time and talents for over 20 years. Her passion for global affairs and diversity was showcased to her over 42 years volunteering her talents with the Dayton International Festival, Inc. working with the World Affair and was given the privilege of Honorary Chairperson in 2020 and 2017. She even got certified as a clown and volunteered at the Charles Lathrem Center in Kettering. Marillyn’s culinary talents did not take a back seat to anything. Her potatoes salad was legendary at family gatherings and there was always room at our table for anyone that showed up. She looked forward every year to making the pounds and pounds of shortbread cookies with the St. Andrew’s Society of Dayton for the Celtic Festival and World A’fair. She was known as Mom, Grandma, Big Grandma, Auntie M, and Sarge. She now rest in eternal peace with her beloved husband, Terrance, daughter, Mary, sister, Ellen Desch, sons in law, Roger and Steven Michael, grandson, Kevin, great grandsons, Dustin and Dillion. Marillyn’s amazing energy and larger than life personality, will forever stay etched in our hearts. In her honor, may we all embrace life’s adventures, break barriers like she did, and infuse a pinch of love and mischief into every concoction we create. Slainte! In lieu of flowers, please consider a generous donation to Hospice of Dayton, American Diabetes Association, Alzheimer’s Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or a worthy charity of your choice.