Marilyn Ann (Giesy) Kilbarger

Marilyn Ann (Giesy) Kilbarger of Baltimore passed away at The Pickering House in Lancaster, Ohio on September 9, 2026. .

Marilyn was born on August 3, 1931, to Jacob and Florence (Hite) Giesy. She was born in a house on Giesy Road, where she spent most of her life in the home her great-grandfather settled.

A graduate of Liberty Union High School, Marilyn worked at a hardware store, where she met Raymond F. Kilbarger. She and Ray later started Kilbarger Farms on State Route 204, where they raised crops, hogs, chickens, and cattle. Their daughters, Debbie and Kathy, soon came along, and in 1966 the family moved to Giesy Road, where they continued farming with Marilyn’s father, Jake Giesy. Farming was their way of life, leaving little time for much else. During harvest, Marilyn drove grain trucks to the terminal while Ray combined the crops. Baling hay each summer was a job Marilyn and her daughters never escaped.

Marilyn and the family showed Aberdeen Angus cattle and later were involved in Belgian horse shows, exhibiting at various fairs, including the Ohio State Fair. Belgians were in Marilyn’s family clear back to her great- grandfather.

She enjoyed her chickens, flowers, and a vegetable garden large enough to feed the whole county. Her grandchildren fondly remember summer visits filled with peach and apple pies, wine making, and wagon rides with the Belgians. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, enjoyed hosting family get-togethers, and was especially known for her New Year’s Eve parties.

Ray passed away in 2010 after sharing nearly 60 great years with Marilyn.

In her later years, Marilyn enjoyed companionship with her partner, Robert Kistler, traveling and enjoying retirement together. She was a longtime member of St. Michael’s United Church of Christ in Baltimore.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Deborah Barnes (Tim) and Katherine Heimerl (Jim); grandchildren Chad Barnes, Shane Barnes (Kim), Casey Van Schoyck (Matt), Matt Heimerl (Rachel), Brad Heimerl, Jeff Heimerl, and Caitlyn Heimerl; and fourteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Julie Anthony, her constant and longtime caregiver, and caregiver Karen Talamantes. Kingsbury Senior Living in Lancaster took wonderful care of Marilyn.

Funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 in the JOHNSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 207 S. MAIN ST., BALTIMORE, OHIO 43105 with Rev. Gene Phelps officiating. Burial will follow in Basil Memorial Cemetery. Friends may visit Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Michael’s United Church of Christ, 2495 Bickel Church Road, PO Box 154, Baltimore, Ohio 43105 or Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Road, Lancaster, Ohio 43130.