Marian F Wolford

Marian F. (Beardsley) Wolford, 89, of Salem, died at 3:55 AM Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Windsor House at Canfield. She spent her final days surrounded by her loving and dedicated family.  She was a beloved sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend.  She dedicated her life to supporting the success of those around her, especially her family and the members of the congregation at her church.

She was born on July 27, 1932, in Green Township, Mahoning County, the daughter of the late Almus and Mary Grim) Beardsley.

Marian was a very busy and giving person her whole life. In her younger years, she was active in 4H and band in high school. She was a lifelong pianist.  She graduated in 1950 from Greenford High School, and in 1953, received her nursing degree from the Youngstown School of Nursing.

She married a short time later to Richard Wolford.  Members of the “Greatest Generation,” they sacrificed the first years of their marriage while Richard served his country in the US Army in the Korean War.  They were married until his passing in 2020. They shared many loving years together. They raised five wonderful children.

She was a very active member of the Greenford Christian Church. Marian helped in the office, taught Sunday School, started the 1-6 Sunday School classes, volunteered at Vacation Bible School, served on the former ladies aux., sang in the choir, played in the bell choir, and undertook countless other tasks that just plainly needed to be done. They also hosted a Bible Study out of their home.

Their former home on Roller Road was a favorite for many over the years. It was the place where events for friends and family were held—especially outdoor gatherings in the summer at “the pavilion” where guests enjoyed swimming, fishing, volleyball, badminton, archery, and throwing horseshoes. Marian was the faithful and tireless hostess, working behind the scenes. She enjoyed her summer vegetable garden and the raspberry patches.  Her pressure cooker was busy in summer and fall, and she generously shared the canned goods she became known for including raspberry jam, apple butter, and bread and butter pickle.

The family was big into camping. They held events where there were 40 to 50 friends and family gathered in a campground for a good time together. She loved the outdoors, watching the wildlife and the beauty of nature. When the time permitted, a good bike ride or a relaxing swim in the pool was enjoyable.

Her close friends were important to her as well as the neighbors. A favorite thing was to go out monthly with the “Lunch Bunch.”

She also loved to sew, make clothing and curtains. There was even time over the years where she volunteered with the American Red Cross for 10 years.

She is survived by her five children, Daniel Richard (Dena) Wolford of Lisbon, Gary Lee (Lei Lani) Wolford of Salem, Jeff Lynn (Bobbi Ann) Wolford of Salem, Scott Eric (Sharon) Wolford of Columbiana and Mary Jane (Matt Thomas) Wolford of Albuquerque, NM., a brother John (Mary Ann) Beardsley of Canfield, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Services will be on Monday, September 20, 2021, 1:30 pm at the Greenford Christian Church, The Rev. John Bush, officiating. The burial will follow in the Green Township (Christian Church) Cemetery. A time of visitation will be on Sunday from 7-9 pm at the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Salem, and one hour prior to the services at the church.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.