Obituary

Marilyn Kay Barnhart, 87, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Heritage Valley Health System – Beaver Campus.

Born on April 9, 1938, in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Frank Zona and Jennie (Mitchell) Greer.

Marilyn worked for many years as a manager of People’s Home Savings Bank and later as an attendant for the former Lutton Funeral Homes, as well as continuing to assist the Gabauer family until her retirement in 2020.  She met many wonderful people who she genuinely cared for in these positions.  She was a devoted member of Chippewa United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir.  Marilyn was active in her younger years in many organizations, including the Ellwood City Area Civic Corral, Ellwood City Women’s Network, Outlook Club of Beaver falls, Ellwood City Rotary Club, Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce.  She also devoted her time to her class reunion board, having worked every one of her class reunions.  In her free time, she enjoyed reading and spending time with her loved ones.

In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald M. “Jerry” Barnhart; her brother, Frank Zona, Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Carol (Jay) Davis-Dickerson.

She is survived by her two nephews, Jason (Jamie) Zona and Dr. Justin (Toni) Zona; great nieces and nephews, Samantha and Danielle Rosenberger, William Zona, Antonio Zona, and Carlena Zona, Rick McComas; a sister-in-law, Karen Zona; numerous extended family, and many special friends.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, October 17^th from 4PM until time of services at 7PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Interment will be private in Locust Grove Cemetery, Ellwood City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Chippewa United Methodist Church in Marilyn’s honor.