Marilyn H. (Shimp) Craft, 93, died in the early hours of December 6, 2020, at her residence at Otterbein Senior Life Community, St. Marys.

She was born April 16, 1927 in Mercer County to the late Harvey and Etha Pearl (Haney) Shimp. On May 21, 1948 she married Howard M. Craft, who died March 14, 2002.

Surviving are her children, Trelia Craft (Connie Kelley), Myron (Sharon) Craft, Sarah Berry, Howard M. Craft Jr., Joel (Sue) Craft and Reuben Craft (Steve Fulk), in addition to 5 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Deceased in addition to her parents and husband are brothers, Nathan B. Shimp and Charles T. Shimp and sisters Stella Wolfe, Bernice Cone, Zola Simmons, Edna Phyllis Simpson, Celia Beougher, Rita Groters, Wanda Ballard and Annie Shimp.

Marilyn graduated from Center Township Consolidated School in Neptune, Ohio. She worked at Clear's Shoe Store and Joint Township Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Walnut Grove United Methodist Church where she served generously as a pianist, organist and choir director. She had a deep, unfailing faith in our Lord.

Resourceful, creative and imaginative, Marilyn could accomplish anything she put her mind to. Her life-long hobbies were many and varied, but she will be best remembered as an accomplished seamstress, especially for her mastery in quilting.

She was a talented self-taught oil painter and maintained beautiful flower gardens, including several at the Otterbein St. Marys campus. She will also be remembered for her love of music, which she lovingly shared with Otterbein residents.

Quick-witted and fun-loving, Marilyn was compassionate and generous and will be missed by all who knew her, especially her beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In her final years, she loved and appreciated her friends and the caring staff of the Otterbein St. Marys Community.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, there will be no services. Private services for the family will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grand Lake Hospice, Otterbein Senior Life Community and/or a charity of your choice.

Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina & St. Marys are honored to care for Marilyn and her family. To pay respects and to leave online condolences or memories, visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com.