Marilyn W. (Wagner) Spreen

Marilyn Wagner Spreen, 92, of Springdale, died on November 10, 2021 surrounded by her family.

She was born in Cincinnati on January 12, 1929 and attended Hughes High School and the University of Cincinnati. In November 1950, she married William Spreen and together they raised four children. He predeceased her in 2006. She is survived by her children Karen, Jennifer (Dale) Melzer, Bill (Nancy), and Pete (Lois); sisters Bert (Bob) Hyde and Mitzi Roediger; grandchildren Josh (Cez) Melzer, Ben and Sam Spreen, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was a dedicated teacher, mother, wife, and friend. She taught kindergarten for twenty-five years in the Cincinnati Public and Winton Woods schools. She also served as a Girl Scout counselor and troop leader, Meals on Wheels volunteer, and Camp Matrena mother. She opened her home to international visitors from Japan, India, Russia, Ukraine, and Belgium and always made them feel welcomed. In recent years, she was a regular volunteer at the Valley Interfaith Food and Clothing Center.

Marilyn was a person of deep faith and a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. She gave of her time and talent as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, children’s librarian, gardener, and knitter for the prayer shawl ministry. She often responded to those in need with a card, meal, or kind word. She was always looking for ways to smooth the path for others.

For the past several years, she lived at Maple Knoll Village and was a beloved member of that community. She will be remembered for her countless acts of kindness and the many lives that she touched.

A memorial service will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church at 703 Compton Road on December 4 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maple Knoll Future Care Fund, Northminster Presbyterian Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association.