Marilyn R. Bennington

Marilyn R. (Durnbaugh) Bennington, 83, of Greencastle, and Bonita Springs, Fla., passed away in Naples, Fla., on Dec. 12, 2014 after a lengthy illness.

She was born on July 29, 1931 in Dayton, Ohio, to Raymond H. Durnbaugh and Helen M. (Greer) Durnbaugh. They both preceded her in death.

A resident of Beavercreek, Ohio, for most of her life, Marilyn was a 1949 graduate of Beavercreek High School.

She then attended Bowling Green State University where she received her B.S. in speech pathology in 1955. While at BGSU, she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and served as house president her senior year.

Marilyn was employed in the Beavercreek City School District as a speech and language pathologist for 37 years and retired from her position in 1999. She enjoyed her career immensely, and her years of diligent work helped many children to overcome their various disabilities. Without question, the profession she chose was her calling.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Eugene Bennington, of Greencastle and Bonita Springs, Fla. Also surviving is her son, Greg Bennington and daughter-in-law, Jennifer, of Greenville, Ind., and grandchildren, Nicholas, Claire and Caroline.

Additionally, Marilyn is survived by two brothers, Robert (Betty) Durnbaugh and Jack (Susan) Durnbaugh, both of Beavercreek, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews.

An avid traveler who took several trips abroad, she also enjoyed books of many kinds and was always passionate about politics and interested in current events. Marilyn was a huge Cincinnati Reds fan and followed UD and OSU basketball intently.

Of specific importance to her was her winter home of Bonita Springs, Fla., and the numerous lasting relationships she forged there. Her many close friends there gave her great comfort, and their generosity and kindness toward her in her final years will never be forgotten. In particular, her family would like to recognize her wonderful neighbors at Spanish Wells Country Club and her friends from St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs. Her family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Tobias Funeral Home, Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, Ohio.

A Funeral Mass will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Ave., Oakwood, Ohio, with The Rev. Gregory P. Sammons and The Rev. Canon John F. Koepke, III, officiating. Burial will occur at Mt. Zion Shoup Cemetery in Beavercreek immediately following the church service.

There will also be a Memorial Mass at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs, Fla., at 11 a.m. Dec. 31 with The Rev. Dr. Michael Rowe officiating.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.