Marilyn Rushton

MEREDITH --- Marilyn Elaine Rushton, 84, of Meredith went home into the loving arms of her Savior on July 5, 2025. Marilyn was born on November 27, 1940, to Agnes (Nedeau) Pickering and Raymond V. Pickering.

Marilyn was a 3rd generation Meredith girl, born and raised. After high school she completed her certification and worked for the Meredith Public Library for 42 years, retiring in November 2007. Marilyn was an avid reader who loved to read to her children, grandchildren, and the children of Meredith. Even as dementia claimed more of her brain, she continued reading stories aloud. Reading was one of the last skills she lost.

She also attended church in Meredith at First Baptist Church where she was a teen youth group leader with her husband Jim, a 1st grade Sunday School teacher, and an Awana Cubbies Leader. Her faith was her greatest treasure and one she loved to share especially with her family, leading her parents, her husband, her children, and her grandchildren to know and love the Lord. In her later years, Marilyn attended Calvary Bible Church in Meredith where she continued serving with the children and the clothing bank ministries.

Marilyn was married to her loving husband James Asa Rushton on June 27, 1959 for 58 years until his death in December 2017. Together they had 2 children, Bradley Steven Rushton (who predeceased her in September 2024) and Diana Jean Rushton (Ladd). Family was everything to Marilyn. She loved holidays and traditions, family vacations to the ocean, and being Mimi to her grandkids.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Diana Ladd and her husband Barry Ladd of Meredith: daughter-in-law, Patricia Rushton of Meredith; grandchildren, Stephen Rushton and his fiance Jessica. Kimberly Taggett and her husband Charles, and Craig Ladd and his wife Katelyn; and five great grandchildren, Bailey and Adalyn Taggett, Aubrey and Abigail Rushton, and Asher Ladd.

The family held a private burial at Oakland Cemetery, officiated by one of Marilyn’s favorite pastors and friend, Mike Rattin. A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11 am, at Calvary Bible Church, 6 St. James Street, Meredith. The family invites all who knew and loved Marilyn to join in this celebration of her life and a light luncheon to follow. If you have a special memory to share or a way Marilyn touched your life we would be honored if you would share it with us.

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, please go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.