Marilyn Ruth Berry Gabbard

Marilyn Ruth Berry Gabbard, 76, of Lexington, Kentucky, wife of Russell Gabbard, passed away Friday, November 15, 2024, at her residence from a lengthy illness. 

     Marilyn was born in Lexington, Kentucky on March 29, 1948, the daughter of the late Charles and Flora Newport Berry of Booneville, Kentucky. In addition to her husband, left to cherish her memory are many nieces and nephews, including great, great-great, and great-great-great nephews and nieces, who affectionately referred to her as “Aunt Merty.” They will certainly miss her as she and “Uncle Russell” always doted over them whenever they visited and they always tried to attend their activities. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Forrest Berry (Michigan), Charles Berry, Jr. (Ohio), and Landon Berry (Kentucky), and three sisters, Frances Herndon (Michigan), Dorothy Davidson (Kentucky) and Flora Nell Hooper (North Carolina). 

     Marilyn graduated from Owsley County High School (’66) and attended Fugazzi Business School. Marilyn and Russell were married in Silva, North Carolina on September 5, 1968, and then settled in Lexington. In her early career, Marilyn was a bookkeeper at Crane Supply and Pepsi Cola Bottling Company. In 1972, she began working at First Security National Bank and retired in 1992 in the Commercial Banking Department. Upon her banking retirement, she enjoyed working the spring and fall racing sessions at Keeneland as a clerk in the money room. 

     Funeral arrangements for Marilyn Gabbard are with the Searcy and Strong Funeral Home, Booneville, Kentucky. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Searcy and Strong Funeral Home from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with the service following at 1:00 pm.  Burial will follow in the Esau-Gabbard Cemetery in Ricetown, Kentucky.  

     In appreciation for the care given to Marilyn, expressions of sympathy are requested in the form of donations to Hospice of the Blueglass, 1733 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY  40504-3667.