Robert Marrah

Robert Denver Marrah, 2/6/38-9/6/20, is with the Lord, "in God's presence is fullness of joy." Psalm 16:11

Survived by devoted wife Jayne Rabold Marrah, children Todd Rabold (Jana), Michael Denver (Tania), Elizabeth Joanne (Cris Gordon), grandchildren Michael (Mel), Jacob (Abi), Grace (David), Hope (Kevin), Elijah and Joy Marrah, Logan Bury, Sam Bury, and Paige Marrah, Nathan (Kearsten), Rebekah (Caleb), Caleb and Lily Gordon, and great-grandchildren Ari and Malachi Marrah.

Born and raised in London, Ohio, the youngest of seven children. Following graduation from Muskingum University and Washington University, Bob dedicated his life to working with troubled youth through agencies and ministries, including Franklin County Children's Services, first director of Hirsch Hall, Buckeye Boys Ranch, Juvenile Court, foster care, and others, as well as Christian Family Counseling. Studying the Bible, and participating in Bible studies was his passion. Throughout his 82 years, Bob was involved with several churches. His faithfulness to The Church, included various leadership positions. He shared his loved for Jesus with everyone he came in contact with. He was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church.

Bob's favorite and frequent times were spent with his immediate family of 29, and extended family. He was blessed with a large, loving, and laughing extended family, who shared in lots of family vacations at Big Star Lake in Michigan, weekends at Bob and Sherry’s Hideaway Hill’s Home, Buckeye football games and football dinners, regular summer Sunday picnics, etc. The highlight of each year was the traditional Christmas Eve progressive dinners involving well over 100, from new born babies to “seniors” Bob’s age being the oldest and most “distinguished” member of the family. Bob was blessed with wonderful parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and endeared friends.

Many, many have ministered love in all kinds of ways to Bob and our family. Over these nearly 3 years, side by side, and day by day were/are our brother Ron and sisters Susie and Sherry. Bob would have been very pleased to know that endeared friends Janet Mathis and Lezlee Knowles continuously ministered comfort and companionship to his beloved wife at a time in their marriage that he was unable to. Other family and friends have come alongside, meeting needs, bringing hope and refreshments, sharing God’s word, along with an immeasurable number pray-ers, faithfully bringing Bob and family before the throne of God. Such prayers were heard by God and the results were often witnessed by the family.  How he valued the long distance (California) relationship with his brother in Christ, Rufie (Patti) Mora! Since graduate school days fifty-six years ago, the two families have made numerous trips between their homes and often enjoyed vacationing together.

Now to all at Heartland Care Center, Bob and Jayne are indebted to you for the loving and fun-loving ways you cared for him. You quickly learned to enjoy Bob, his singing, and creating songs just for them. Extra love to Bob’s dear and helpful friend Chuck at Heartland Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions made to Tree of Life Christians Schools, 935 Northridge Road, Columbus, 43224, and the Dream Center, 38 W Greenwood Ave, Columbus, 43201. Funeral service will be held Thursday, September 10 at 10am at Tree of Life Ministry Center, 5000 Arlington Center Court, Columbus, 43221. There will be a time for family and friends to share special memories, COVID-19 observed. Todd R. Marrah will be officiating the service, with Michael Todd Marrah, Jacob Christian Marrah, Elijah Paul Marrah, Logan Paul Bury, Samuel Michael Bury, Nathan Cristopher Gordon, and Caleb Stuart Gordon as pallbearers.