Marilyn Hines
Marilyn Montag Hines, 85, of Slippery Rock began her heavenly life on Dec. 21, 2020.
She was born Feb. 17, 1935, in Saxonburg, the daughter of Franklin Edward Montag and Frances W. (Doubet) Montag.
Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by her children, Laura J. Hines of Tampa, Fla., Sherri L. (Mark) Stoffer of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Jennifer J. (Brian) Cupak of Slippery Rock, and Kevin T. (Stephanie) Hines of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; and her grandchildren, Ryan and Cayden Hines.
She is also survived by her sister, Joanne Donovan; her brother, Warren Montag; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sheridan Taylor Hines, whom she married on April 13, 1957.
Marilyn was a graduate of Butler High School (1952), and Indiana State College (Indiana, Pa. 1956).
During her college years, she earned the distinction of lifetime member of Sigma Kappa and Phi Mu Alpha.
She taught elementary music at the South Butler County School District (1956-1962), and was a music educator at Slippery Rock Teachers College (1963-1967).
She maintained a private piano and organ studio for many years.
She was a member of Center Presbyterian Church, since 1963, and served the church as secretary for 22 years.
In the late 1960s, Marilyn was introduced to English Handbell ringing through a youth group event at Center Presbyterian Church. She was immediately hooked, and went on to build a well-respected, graded handbell program at Center Church. Her love for the instrument moved her to share her talents in organizing the North Hills Handbell Association, and to share her gifts through the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (now Handbell Musicians of America).
She served the AGEHR at the area level as chairman and historian, and served the national organization as president from 1991-1993. In recognition of her steadfast leadership, Marilyn was honored with the AGEHR Lifetime Member Award in 2003. Her volunteer work with AGEHR over the years allowed Marilyn to travel the world and share her passion for music and handbells, introducing countless people to the instrument she loved so dearly.
HINES — Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life service for Marilyn Montag Hines, who died Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, will be postponed until it is safe to gather in person.
Arrangements were entrusted to Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Home, St. Cloud, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Handbell Musicians of America, Stow Heritage Ringers Inc., the National MS Society or the American Cancer Society.
Please visit www.osceolamemgds.com for online condolences.
