Marilyn S. Plato

Marilyn S. (Merriman) Plato, age 84, of Sabina, passed peacefully at home on March 16, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She was born on December 27, 1941, in Fayette County, Ohio to Opal Hunt Pinion and Issac Merriman.

Marilyn spent most of her life in Sabina and was a caregiver for many throughout the years. She enjoyed singing hymns at her church, Trinity Full Gospel.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Gary Michael of Sabina, Janelle (Rob Stewart) Mullins of Sabina, and Scott (Nicholas Haddix) Michael of Dayton. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren: Anthony Mullins, Kimberly (Arthur) Pauley, Ben Benner, Missy Benner, and Jeremy Benner, all of Sabina, and Hannah (Justin Fields) Davis of Wilmington. She will also be remembered by her 15 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings: Deanie (John) Minton of Sabina, Connie Pinion Yerian of Columbus, Tina (Ron) Cannon and Juanita Dillard, both of Greenfield, and Janette (Don) Fisher of Lake Alfred, FL. She is also leaving behind a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her children: Wayne Michael and Pamela Benner; her parents: Opal (Ben) Pinion and Issac (Josephine) Merriman; sister and brother-in-law, Libby and Bob Baker; brothers: Herk Pinion and J.R. Merriman; great grandson, Jordan Benner; father of her children, James Michael; and her former husband, Joseph Plato, who remained in her life until his passing on March 14, 2024.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Kendra and the entire Ohio Hospice Care Team.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at Littleton Funeral Home, Sabina; visitation will take place, at the funeral home, from 10 A.M. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Sabina Cemetery in Sabina.