Marilyn McCartney

SALEM — Marilyn McCartney, 89, passed away peacefully on Jan. 17, 2026. A lifelong resident of Salem, Ohio, Marilyn lived a life defined by devotion to her family, her faith, and her community.

Marilyn was the daughter of Cora Headland and Willard Headland Sr. She graduated from Goshen High School and began her career as a secretary at Mullins. After the birth of her first child, Marilyn dedicated herself to being a homemaker, a role she cherished while raising her children. When her children reached junior high age, she returned to the workforce, joining Mustang where she served as a supervisor until her retirement in 1997. Marilyn was also passionate about health and wellness and spent many years as a health instructor at the Health Habit in Salem, teaching exercise classes and encouraging others to live active, healthy lives. She later became a devoted member of Westville Bible Church, where she faithfully served until the onset of COVID.

Marilyn was a loving wife for 59 years to her junior high sweetheart, Carl K. McCartney Jr., whom she married on Sept. 18, 1955. Together, they built a life rooted in love, family, and shared values. She was a proud mother to two sons, Michael (Beth) and Jerry (Kathy) McCartney, and a daughter, Renae K. Unkefer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Carl; her son Michael; and her sisters, Naomi Knoch Gerondel and Janet (Robert) Faulkiner. She is survived by her son Jerry, her daughter Renae, and her brother Willard (Marilyn) Headland Jr.

Her greatest joy in life was her family — especially her grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life: Jeff (Kelli) McCartney, Ashley (Damion) Wallace, Cinda (Nathan) Lude, Ann (Grant) Cope, Todd (Paige) Unkefer, Megan (Isaiah) Thomas, Brooke (James) Hanson, and Krista (CJ) Dawson. Marilyn was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren, with one more eagerly awaited in June. She rarely missed a track meet, softball game, wrestling tournament, or any event her family was involved in, always cheering proudly from the stands.

Marilyn had a deep love for flowers and gardening, and her home was a reflection of the care and beauty she poured into every thing she did. She was known for her generous heart. Every child who visited her left with a bag of M&Ms, a smile, and a loving wave from the bay window. She found joy in cooking and baking for her family and never let anyone leave her home without a full heart and a full plate.

Today, Marilyn is reunited with her beloved husband, still smiling from the bay window and watching over the family she loved so deeply. Though she will be dearly missed, her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Family and friends will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State St., Salem, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at the funeral home, where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Hope Cemetery.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Marilyn’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

1/20/26