Marian Louise Bomberger

Marian Louise Bomberger (née Miller), 83, of Cincinnati, Ohio (formerly of Dillsburg,

Pennsylvania), passed peacefully into the presence of Christ on October 15th. Marian was born on January 4th, 1943, in Manheim, Pennsylvania, to Ada and Paul Miller. She grew up with her older brothers, Donald and Glen, on a farm, where she baked pies to sell at market and did the family laundry with a wringer dryer. Her family spent several winters in Florida, where she continued her high school education. Despite her full life and close-knit community in Pennsylvania, Marian felt fortunate to move to Ohio for the last chapter of her life. More than anything, she treasured being closer to family and sharing both special and everyday occasions with them. She embraced her new community at Springdale Nazarene Church and Maple Knoll Village, participating in the 55+ group and Sunday School at church, as well as Kensington Capers, outings, and social activities at Maple Knoll. She made many friends and looked out for everyone, even baking holiday cookies for her housecleaners and maintenance technicians at Maple Knoll.

Marian said the best thing that ever happened to her was marrying Dale Bomberger on Christmas Eve, 1964. They shared 61 years of marriage and were separated by death for only 93 days. She was a loyal companion throughout their wonderful years together and missed Dale greatly after his passing. As she reflected near the end of his life, she said they simply loved being with their family more than anything else. Marian was the driving force behind their precious memories, from welcoming others into their warm home and serving delicious, multi-course homemade meals to writing handwritten notes and choosing the perfect gift for every occasion. She was the perfect complement to Dale, and together they made a lasting impact on their many loved ones.

Marian was a loving mother to Ryan and Marcie. She was involved and thoughtful, serving on the school PSA and showing up for everything in their lives while working long shifts as a nurse. She and Dale loved visiting their children during college and especially enjoyed time with their grandchildren in Ohio and visits to Virginia to see Liberty University sporting events. Through quality time together and thoughtful conversation, Marian showed her family how deeply she cared.

Marian treasured being a grandmother to five grandchildren, three grandchildren by marriage, and her first great-grandchild. She and Dale traveled from Pennsylvania to Cincinnati monthly to be part of their grandchildren’s everyday lives. She searched magazines and websites for new places to take them, recipes to make, and crafts and games to enjoy together. Each summer, she planned incredible weeklong visits for each grandchild, creating some of their favorite childhood memories. She made everything fun, even getting cleaned up after dinner as “the wiping machine,” complete with her own song and dance. Until her death, she continued preparing holiday cards for every grandchild and carrying on family traditions. She loved to visit with her great-grandbaby weekly, delighting in reading and singing together. She diligently prayed for all of her family members.

At a time when higher education for young women was not guaranteed, Marian worked hard to become a nurse. After graduating from Manheim Central High School, she attended nursing school at Lancaster General Nursing School and received her RN Elizabethtown College. She cared for thousands of patients in various settings, from Camp Swatara, where she met Dale, to Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, where she worked until retirement. She was sharp and thorough in her duties and treated patients with tenderness. As she aged, she continued taking time to talk with nurses about their stories and thanked them for their care.

Marian loved traveling and visited many U.S. states and foreign countries. She explored on her own while Dale was on work trips, always taking photos and sending postcards from her adventures. She cruised with dear friends from Pennsylvania and enjoyed tours throughout Europe and the American West. Most of all, she loved the ocean and was content simply watching the water. She especially treasured many trips to the shore over the years with her young family, with Ryan and Dale, and with the whole family and grandchildren.

Marian endured many health challenges and much pain but remained positive, tenacious, and active through her hardships. She looked forward to the day she would be free from physical pain and held steadfast faith in Christ her Savior. She will be remembered for her toughness, resilience, hospitality, and extraordinary generosity without expectation of anything in return. She taught her family that the Lord remains good even through life’s most difficult times.

She is survived by her loving children Ryan and Marcie (John), adoring grandchildren Erin (Chris), Jonah (Nicole), Joel, Seth (Elizabeth), Ella, and great-grandson Charlie. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, and most recently her dear husband Dale.

Celebration of Life will be held at Vorhis and Ryan Funeral Home, 11365 Springfield Pk., Springdale, OH 45246 on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 10:30am.