Marilyn J. Richter, 93 of Columbus, passed from this life on Friday August 21, 2026 at her residence. She was born on July 30, 1933 in Chillicothe, the daughter of Paul J. and Elva (Bayes) Miller.
Surviving is her sister, Phyllis Bersebach, Columbus, son-in-law, Rodney Adkins, nephews, Keith (Ellen) Bersebach, FL, and Paul Bersebach, CA, a great-nephew, Nikolas Bersebach, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Ralph L. Mahaffey and Ralph E. Richter, daughter, Crystal Adkins, and her brother-in law, Gordon Bersebach.
Marilyn dedicated more than three decades of her life to public service. She began her career with the Chillicothe Municipal Court as a Deputy Clerk, serving in that position for five years before becoming Clerk of Court in 1963. She faithfully served the court until her retirement on January 1, 1991, completing 33 years of service.
Throughout her career, Marilyn was actively involved in numerous professional and community organizations. She was a member of the Ohio Association of Municipal Clerks, where she held the offices of Secretary, Treasurer, and President. She also served for six years on the Ohio Traffic Review Committee of the Ohio Supreme Court, having been appointed by Chief Justice C. William O’Neil. Outside of her professional life, Marilyn enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of two “Red Hat” groups, the “Chilli” Girls of Chillicothe and the Columbus Cuties.
One of Marilyn’s proudest professional accomplishments came through her work with the Chief Justice and the Judicial Committee of the Ohio Supreme Court, along with Ohio University Chillicothe, to establish a training program for Municipal Court Clerks. Marilyn also completed the program herself, earning a Certificate in Court Administration. In recognition of her dedication and contributions to Ohio’s court system, she received an award from the Ohio Supreme Court for the Advancement of the Administration of Justice in Ohio, as well as the Outstanding Municipal Court Clerk Award for the State of Ohio.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday September 5, 2026 in Greenlawn Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Hines, officiating. Public calling hours will not be observed. Memorial contributions may be made in Marilyn’s name to Shriners Children’s Hospital. An online memorial is available at www.fawcett-palmer.com.
The FAWCETT OLIVER GLASS AND PALMER FUNERAL HOME are honored to serve the family.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Fawcett Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home.