Marilyn Lenore Orewiler Buchanan Carney, 89 years young, left this world peacefully on October 18, 2026 to dance in the sky. To know Marilyn was to love her. She was 4’11” of spunk, always quick with a witty comeback and always keeping up with the latest trends. She had the best stories and lived a life in which you always wanted to know more. Most people who knew her would describe her as one of the most special people in their lives. Marilyn was full of sparkle until the very end.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Jane Orewiler; her youngest son, Robert Buchanan; brothers Elwood (Ruth), Olin (Margaret), Elton (Marjorie), Orrin (Mariam), and Merle; sisters Liz and Evelyn (Bob); sister-in-law Joann; and her two party poodles, Georgie and John Paul.
Marilyn had two great loves in her lifetime who were both waiting to be reunited with her. Bob Buchanan was her highschool sweetheart who left this earth far too soon and John Carney who showed Marilyn the world and gave her a life she never imagined. She was always sharing memories about the great love stories she got to experience and we know she was ready to see them again.
Lovingly known as Grandma or Gma, Marilyn is survived by her Legacy – her oldest son Jack Buchanan, her grandkids Jay and Niki Buchanan of Marietta, GA and Katie and Tony Tabor of Bowling Green, KY. She is also survived by her only living sibling, Marvin, sister-in-law Kathy, and numerous nieces and nephews. Perhaps her greatest joy in life was watching her great-grandchildren, Maddox, Wyatt, Scarlett, and Hudson laugh, grow, and play songs for her on the piano.
Marilyn was a world traveler and was always up for an adventure. Born in Ohio, her twenties took her to Buffalo, NY, her thirties took her to Marietta, GA, and her eighties took her to Bowling Green, KY. Some of Marilyn’s most cherished memories were the famous Derby parties she would host, the Christmas concert she attended most every year, full moon chats at the dog park, summers at the cottage, and cruising around in her red car.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 9th, 2026, 3 PM, at Mayes Ward Dobbins Historic Marietta Chapel. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service from 1 PM to 3 PM.
While we mourn the loss of such an incredible woman, we know she is whole and loving on all the people who have been waiting for her. The family has chosen to honor her in Marietta, with her final resting place in Mansfield, OH.
Funeral Home: Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home
Website: https://www.mayeswarddobbins.com/