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In memory of

Marilyn Lantz Allen

Columbus, OH, USA

April 7, 1936 - February 6, 2019

Apr 7, 1936 - Feb 6, 2019

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Marilyn Rose (Lantz) Allen went to Heaven on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 with her daughter by her side. She was born to Lucy Sylvia Embree Lantz and John Raymond Lantz in Pennsville, OH on April 7, 1936. Survived by her daughter, Margaret Rose (Carlos Hoyt), and her three beloved grandchildren, Ben, Nina and Izzy Hoyt.

She attended Somerset High School in Somerset, OH and graduated in a class of 24 students. Marilyn earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University in 1958 and her M.Ed. from The Ohio State University in 1964.

Faith was an important element of her life. After growing up in the Methodist church, she attended First Community Church in Marble Cliff for over 40 years and attended The Church of the Redeemer on the East Side after moving there in 2014. She started and ended each day reading devotionals and the Bible and went to church nearly every Sunday, even when traveling.

It is no understatement to say that her life was dedicated to education. Marilyn first taught in Zanesville, then spent a memorable year teaching at R.A.F. Chicksands in England at a Department of Defense school. During that time, she traveled extensively in Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa. She then moved to Columbus, eventually settling in Grandview Heights. She taught for nearly 40 years in the Columbus Public Schools, with a focus on teaching pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and reading. During and after her teaching career, she was a strong advocate for the rights of teachers and students and participated in the membership and leadership of the Columbus Education Association-Retired (long-time Vice President), the Ohio Education Association-Retired, and the Franklin County Retired Teachers Association, as well as serving as an Ohio delegate at numerous National Education Association conferences. In addition, she was a member and Past President of the Beta Lambda chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional association for women educators.

She created the Ohio University Intergenerational Mentoring program, which was sponsored by the Ohio Education Association. The program matches undergraduate education students at Ohio University and experienced OU alumni teacher mentors to broaden students’ experiences and ease their transition into the classroom. Marilyn was selected to participate as an advisor for the Ohio University Patton College of Education Dean’s Circle of Engagement due to her extensive teaching experience and connections in the education community. She was also a member and officer of the College of Education’s Society of Alumni and Friends, which organized conferences for education students.

Marilyn was active in the Ohio University Central Ohio Alumni Chapter and organized numerous banquets, social gatherings and other activities. The Ohio University Alumni Association recognized her twice for her contributions to the university: in 2009, she received the Distinguished Service Award, and in 2018, she received the third annual Konneker Volunteer of the Year Award for her 60 years of service to the university.

She was also active in the Central Ohio Vintage Volkswagen Club, serving as historian for many years and staying active in club meetings and activities, including the annual Volksfest, the largest single-day vintage VW event in Ohio, held annually on the second Saturday in August at Watkins Memorial High School. Her love of Volkswagens began during her year in England, when she bought her first Beetle and had it shipped home.

Another way Marilyn celebrated her German heritage was through participation in the Damen Sektion, the women’s auxiliary of the Columbus Maennerchor. The Maennerchor is the largest and longest continually active German singing society and social club in North America. The club hosts numerous dinners, parties and activities, including an annual style show, in which she was once featured as a model.

In addition to her numerous professional activities, Marilyn was always on the go – either traveling (when in the local area, always in her VW Beetle!), going to museums or performances, volunteering, organizing and leading activities and day trips for Columbus Education Association-Retired members, and spending time with her family. Her energy level surprised her family and friends (and doctors!) who could hardly keep up with her. She believed in Santa Claus, figuratively and perhaps literally, and brought that magic of anticipation, hope and joy to Christmas and every other time we shared together. She will be most remembered for her energy, her sense of humor, love of travel and culture, her ability to make any moment a special occasion, and her loving dedication to her family. She will be greatly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:

Note: please go to one of the links in the obituary to donate rather than donating through this website, which charges a small fee.

The I Know I Can program supports Columbus City School students in pursuit of a college education. Donations may be made in her memory online at www.iknowican.org or via telephone at 614-233-9510.

To mail a check, please send it to the following address. Checks should be written to I Know I Can, and please write Marilyn Allen in the memo line to contribute in her memory.

I Know I Can
1108 City Park Avenue, Suite 301
Columbus, Ohio 43206

The Marilyn Lantz Allen Memorial Scholarship is being established for students in the Patton College of Education at Ohio University.

The simplest way to donate is to mail a check to the following address:

The Ohio University Foundation
P.O. Box 869
Athens, OH 45701

Checks should be made out to The Ohio University Foundation.
In the memo line denote: Marilyn Lantz Allen Memorial Scholarship.

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