Marilyn Louise (Gainer) Kepler

Our hearts were broken as we said goodbye to Marilyn Louise Kepler, aged 76 of Mantua, who departed from this Earth at her home  surrounded by her cherished family.  Marilyn was born in Ellet, Ohio, on September 23, 1945 to the late Joseph Paul and Dorothy (Garinger) Gainer.  Marilyn grew up with a love of music and was taught to play the piano by her father at a young age.  Her family recounts their memories of her singing and playing her favorite hymns and gospel songs.  She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Ravenna.

Marilyn was adored by her husband of 54 years, Arthur Kepler, and her daughters Julie Thompson (Lucian E.) and Christina Brakeman along with her grandchildren Brittany Thompson, Ashley Rutter, Nicholas Brakeman and Emily Brakeman and siblings William Gainer and Kathleen Gainer.  She was also a mom to her beloved cats, Little Bear and Tessa. Marilyn had a face so full of sunshine and a heart of solid gold. Never could one encounter someone more joyous or anyone so incapable of remembering a wrong or so completely and humanly generous.

Her family and friends hold her close--knowing that Marilyn now sleeps in God's favor.  Calling hours to remember Marilyn will be held at the Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 am at  Immaculate Conception Church with Father William Kraynak officiating.  Entombment will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Ravenna. Flowers (especially lilies) are greatly appreciated as well as donations to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in Marilyn's name by contacting cholangiocarcinoma.org.