Marilyn J. Dietrich, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2021. Marilyn was born on December 7, 1928, in Akron, Ohio to the late Foy and Lillian (Blackburn) Casto. She earned her master’s degree at Kent State University and went on to a fulfilling teaching career in Brunswick at Crestview Elementary and then as part of the original staff of Hickory Ridge Elementary School where she was named “Teacher of the Year”. Marilyn had been an active member of the Medina community since moving here in 1937. She was a member of Mt. Zwingli United Church of Christ. Marilyn was initiated into Medina Chapter #266, Order of the Eastern Star on January 23, 1990. She served the Medina Chapter as Worthy Matron in 2003, using the theme “Discover Beautiful Ohio” for the state’s 200th anniversary. She was honored to be appointed as a Grand Page for the Grand Chapter of Ohio in 2004. Marilyn was a member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, as well as a member of the Medina County Retired Teachers Association. Marilyn won several awards for her dedication to teaching and passion for helping every student succeed. She finally retired in 1991 after 30 years. She enjoyed inviting her first-grade class to her farm each summer for a fun-filled day of carnival games and horseback riding. When her students graduated from high school, Marilyn sent each of them a card with their tiny picture cut from the first-grade group photograph tucked inside along with a personal note. Many responded and kept in touch with her. She had a way of making time for anyone that needed her.
Marilyn was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Marilyn was talented in many ways; she was artistically gifted, an exceptional baker, and she loved to garden. Her flowers were stunning.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Patricia (Michael) Sega, David (Kathye) Dietrich, Jeannie (Jeff) Sherman, William Dietrich, Rosemary Dietrich (William Frank), and Daniel (Sandra) Dietrich; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 1 great great-grandchild; siblings, Jimmy (Mary) Casto, and Roger Casto; she leaves behind many nieces and nephews; along with a lifetime of collected friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, Charles W. Dietrich, as well as her parents, and brother, Darrell Casto.