After being surrounded by family upon a sudden admittance to the hospital this past Saturday August 2nd, our dear mother/grandmother was reunited with her grandson Joshua and husband Dallas at the peaceful Gates of Heaven in the early morning of August 5th.

Marilyn was the youngest of 4 children of the late Marguerite Annette Holeman(Sanderfer), and the late Paul Daniel Holeman. She was preceded in death by her grandson Joshua Paul Knight, and her husband Dallas Marshall Hastings. She is survived by her Children-Larry Douglas Hastings, Cindy Jean Smith, Donna Jean Lane, Kimberly Jean Knight (Pamela Hastings, John Smith, Kevin Lane, Shawn Knight) Grandchildren- Anna Renee Losse(Drew Losse), Conor Jaymes Lane, Jackson Paul Knight, Emily Jean Gallo(Paul Gallo), Carly Jane Lane(Zachary King), Lucas Paul Knight(Eve Knight), Matthias Paul Knight, Samuel Paul Knight,(Kaleigh Sypes), Rebekah Lindsey Knight(Justin Smith), Sarah Christine Lane Great Grandchildren-Kaley Christine Ferguson, Kori Jane Ferguson, Carter Joshua Losse, Oaklea June Sypes, Julian Earnest Smith, baby boy Knight.

Marilyn was born in Michigan, but grew up in Akron, Ohio(spending some time living with her aunt and uncle in Kentucky). Marilyn moved around to many different schools and eventually at the age of 16 stopped going and began working full time. Shortly after that she eloped to Tennessee and married the love of her life, Dallas Hastings. She proceeded to have 4 children whom she loved and cared for with every being in her soul. As her children grew her love outstretched to her children's friends. And this love carried on to the next generation with her grandchildren, and even their friends, or really just anyone that crossed paths with Marilyn felt her love and kindness. One of her greatest joys was being involved in her grandchildren's lives. She was a hands on, always present grandma. Each one of them loves her dearly and will miss her immensely. It will be a struggle to celebrate new milestones in our lives and not have our mother/grandmother there. Marilyn's newest great grandson Julian will be here soon and she was insistent that she be the 1st person to hold him after mommy and daddy of course. She just loved each addition to the family and was so excited for the new baby!

Marilyn grew up as a child attending the Akron Baptist Temple, and later in life was a very active member and loved her church family at Community Baptist Temple. She spent countless hours in the nursery for many years-holding and caring for babies so that their parents could attend Sunday morning church service. She thought it a privilege to find a way to serve the Lord and did so happily and joyfully. Marilyn was a homemaker for many years but eventually reentered the workforce full-time at SGS tool until she retired at the age of 65.

Marilyn Raised her family in Akron, and after retirement she moved to a senior Community, also in Akron. About halfway through the year of 2020 she began to show signs of dementia, and was given an Alzheimer's diagnoses in December of that year. Marilyn struggled with this diagnoses but eventually came to peace with it and really enjoyed the rest of her days.  After the passing of her husband she moved into her Daughter's home (Donna and Kevin) and truly never had a lonely day after. Her days consisted of  many simple yet enjoyable activities like coloring, crocheting, or just sitting on the porch with the dogs. Those days also consisted of mother/daughter beach trips, train rides, Elvis Presley tribute concerts,  family swim days, pedicures and pampering, birthday dinners/parties, family kickball, Rummy, Uno and Yahtzee games, trying new ice cream shop and breakfast diners and the list goes on. But each day she was surrounded and loved by her family. Her phone was always ringing with calls and  face-times. There is still a never ending argument on who is the favorite daughter, and favorite grandchild.(but she would never chose-she loved us all, but she did enjoy this playful game that we continued all the way up until the last few hours of her life) Marilyn spent her whole life loving and giving to others. That was the foundation in which she raised her family on. She loved unconditionally and would sacrifice anything for her children and their children. She firmly believed that wives were to care for their husbands, and that being a mother was the most important job in the world. She passed this along, as well as  her empathetic, giving heart and nurturing nature to her family. And we all just hope that we can continue to pass a part of her on to the generations to come. She is the reason we love and give love and will continue to do so the rest of our days.

Visitation takes place at Swigart-Easterling Funeral home Friday August 8th 5:30-6:30pm. Service to begin at 6:30pm and following the service there will be a celebration of life for all to join at the SAM Center Veterans resource center in Canal Fulton.