ESCHBACH (nee Clark), Marilla Jane
Marilla Jane (nee Clark) Eschbach was born on June 6, 1935, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. She spent her first years on a family farm in Brookville, Ohio, where she developed a life-long love of farm animals and farm life. Even after her family's move to Oakwood, Dayton, Ohio, she spent some of her favorite childhood days on family farms south of town. As a child she raised sheep and loved the rhythm of life on the farm.
She attended the E.D. Smith Elementary School and graduated from Oakwood High School. She attended college at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio, where she majored in education. After graduating from Otterbein, she taught briefly at Kent School in Columbus before returning to teach for the rest of her career at E.D. Smith Elementary in Oakwood. During her first years teaching there, she taught alongside HER first grade teacher. She loved kids, her colleagues, and watching children grow.
Marilla married James H. Eschbach on March 21st, 1959, and they were married for nearly 52 years. They had one son, Douglas.
Marilla earned a Master's degree in counseling from the University of Dayton. She was active in PEO. Her greatest loves
included her family and friends, entertaining, travel, music, cooking, the arts, and her church.
Her husband, Jim; her parents, H. Douglas and Marie B. Clark; her dear friend in later years, Jack Whitmer, and many friends and family members preceded her in death. Her son, Douglas of Schwenksville, PA; her grandson, Taylor, his wife, Rachael, their son, Casey James and another child due in January, of Downers Grove, Illinois; and extended family survive her.
A service celebrating her incredible life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dayton, Ohio, at a time when it is safe for people to gather again in song and joyful reunion.
Memorials may be sent in her memory to Westminster Presbyterian Church. Online condolences can be sent to:
ESCHBACH, Marilla
