Marilynn McLain Garner, 80, a longtime resident of Columbus, Ohio, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, outside of St. Louis after a long illness.
She was a 1963 graduate of Grandview High School in Columbus, Ohio where she was active in choir, theater and sports. She subsequently obtained her Registered Nursing degree from St. Francis School of Nursing and enjoyed a long career as a nurse.
Her love of theater continued for decades as she and Dick actively supported, participated in and led a variety of local community theater groups, including Worthington Community Theater. She continued to sing, play piano and cheer on Ohio State throughout her life. She also enjoyed longstanding friendships and love with her “Bridge Club” group which included her sister, Jackie Biemesderfer, and many other friends.
Throughout many moves and communities, she and Dick were active in their local churches, especially in Grief Share at Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church in Hilliard, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Dr. Walton Richard “Dick” Garner; and her parents, Jack and Thelma McLain.
Marilynn and Dick raised five children together, Andrea (Jim) Christgau, David (Kathy), Rich (Renee), Susan (Patrick) Fallon and Robert (Jen); Together, their children provided them with fifteen grandchildren, (Andrea and Jim) Zachary, Alyssa, Garrett; (Susan and Patrick) Thomas, Mac; (Rob and Jen) Grant, Riley, Emma, Robert, Joely; (David and Kathy) Jacob, Megan; (Rich and Renee) Lauren, Madeline and Jack. Many of her grandchildren were married and she had six great-grandchildren at the time of her death.
Marilynn also enjoyed years of love with many nieces and nephews-the sons and daughters of Lorelei and Ted Reppas (Dick’s sister and husband) and Jackie and Bud Biemesderfer (Marilynn’s sister and husband). She also loved her relationships with Blake and Joni Avenmarg (Blake was her cousin from Cleveland).
Throughout her life, she surrounded herself with many loved pets-especially dogs.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to memory to Worthington Community Theater at https://wctpresents.org/support.php or Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church at https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=10713&f=1.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Funeral: A memorial service will be held at a later date in Columbus, Ohio. Details to follow for friends and family.
