Marilyn's Obituary
Marilyn S. Ralston,75, of Kentland, IN passed away on Saturday September 16, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center, Kankakee, IL after a long illness. Care was provided by Uplifted Care Hospice, Bourbonnais, IL. Marilyn was born January 31, 1948 in Logansport, IN to the late Donald Victor Rist Sr. and Mary Alleene (Horn) Rist. Her partner, Phill Taylor proceeded her in death in 2012.
Marilyn graduated from Pioneer High School in 1966. During her time there she enjoyed cheerleading and was a member of the high school marching band. Marilyn began work as a dietary aide at Logansport State Hospital. She was a homemaker for several years before taking a waitress job at Kentland Pancake House. She then moved on to work for Capitol Products of Kentland ,IN where she was a highly active union member for many years until her retirement.
Marilyn was an exceptional gifted cook and baker as a young adult. She also enjoyed crocheting and was a superior seamstress, making many of her children’s clothes. She loved all animals as she had many over her lifetime. She had a gift for wildlife, feeding birds and squirrels by hand. Throughout her life, she was devoted to doing anything possible to help her children and grandchildren which she loved very much.
She is survived by her children, Angela Dilts Peterson of Kentland, IN, Andrea Dilts and friend Jody Harvick of Kentland, IN and James R. Ralston the II of Wheatfield, IN. Marilyn is also survived by her grandchildren, Jimmie Ralson and wife Corrine of Wheatfield, Joshua and Jayden Peterson of Kentland and Laney Ralston and Lacey Ralston of Rensselaer, IN. She is also survived by her beloved nephew Michael A. Rist and wife Toni Rist of Nevada.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Mary Rist, one brother Donald V. Rist Jr., a sister-in-law Marcia Rist and her nephew Steven J. Rist. Memorial contributions in memory of Marilyn can be made to the American Humane Society and Faith Harvest Food Pantry of Morocco, IN.
