Marion R. Bears

Marion R. Bears, age 92 of the Inn at Northwood at Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia, died peacefully, surrounded by her family while in the care of Community Hospice House.

A daughter of the late Edward L. and Margaret T. (Mahoney) Whiting, Marion was born at Brockton, MA on May 1, 1922.

Following her graduation from Brockton High School, Marion entered the United States Marine Corps. Serving as a clerk to a Flight Commander, Marion was awarded the rank of Corporal and stationed at Cherry Point, NC during World War II.

It was during her assignment at Cherry Point, Marion met her husband, Robert Bears and the couple married on October 6, 1945.

The couple raised their family in Wooster and later relocated to the Tuscarawas Valley. Marion maintained a 20 plus year career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol as a License Examiner serving both the Wooster and New Philadelphia Posts prior to her retirement in 1986.

Marion was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed reading, knitting and traveling with her sister to casinos throughout the United States.

Marion is survived by her children, Kathy Bears of Uhrichsville, Lori Bears of New Philadelphia, and Mike (Patty) Bears of Sandy Lake, PA; two granddaughters, Megan (Tyler) Norris, and Skylar Newton; four grandsons, Josh (Mindy) Bears, Bob Bears, Wesley (Valerie) Newton and Marcus Newton; two great-granddaughters, Lilly and Ellie Norris and her sister, Alice Braconi of Canton, MA as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Marion was preceded in death by her husband; a daughter, Peggy, and siblings, Dorothy Kramer and George Whiting.

The family will greet guests on Sunday, March 22, from 2:00 – 3:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Father Jeff Coning will lead a service in the funeral home’s chapel on Sunday at 3:00 PM. Immediately following the service, military honors will be rendered. A time of food and fellowship will follow in the Geib Family Center.

Memorial contributions in Marion’s name may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.