Marian L. Hollingsworth

Marian L. Hollingsworth, 94, passed away peacefully on ­­­June 6, 2021.  Always known for her wonderful smile and laughter, she lived and enjoyed her last few years in the caring arms of the staff at the Wickshire Fairborn Senior Living Community.  Marian was born in Richmond, Indiana and lived there for many years until her later years where she resided in Wauchula, Florida with her husband, Max, before eventually moving to Fairborn, Ohio.

Predeceased by her husband, Max E. Hollingsworth, her parents, Marion J. and Lucille B. (Howe) Tompkins and brother William (Bill) F. Tompkins.  Survived by her sister Patricia (Tompkins) Owen of Walworth, New York, brother James (Deke) Tompkins of College Grove, Tennessee, her sister-in-law Ruth Dunlap of Beavercreek, Ohio, her nephew James D. Tompkins of Centerville, Indiana, her nieces Monica (Tompkins) Hauptstueck of Richmond, Indiana, Terri (Dunlap) Stafford of Huber Heights, Ohio, Debbi (Dunlap) Pardee, of San Clemente, California, Robbi (Dunlap) Valley of Fairborn, Ohio, Lula (Dunlap) Hake of Columbus, Ohio, Dawn (Dunlap) McCoy of Enon, Ohio,  and their husbands plus numerous great nieces and nephews.

Marian met her husband Max 2 years before both WWII and his time in the U.S. Navy had come to a close.  They were introduced through a mutual friend, Walter Campbell, at a New Year’s Eve party.  She was 21 and Max 23 years old when they wed 3 years later.  A marriage that lasted 64 years.  Marian always loved telling the story about their honeymoon, which ended up being a camping/fishing trip and having to deal with a torrential rain storm and a leaking tent that got them soaked.  That said, she fell in love with camping/fishing and enjoyed both for many years.  Marian also had a love and passion for music, books, cats, the theatre, square dancing, and the study of gemstones and rocks.  She and husband Max discovered square dancing as a fun thing to do and it wasn’t until a few years later that Marian decided to pursue a professional square dance caller career and began touring the country.  This decision put her in the spotlight as one of only a handful of female callers in the U.S. at the time.  Entering into a male dominated profession, Marian ruffled more than a few “male” feathers and had to continually endure the “male callers” criticisms who didn’t think a woman should be allowed into their profession.  Marian’s perseverance allowed her to prevail, thrive and enjoy a square dance calling career for 10 years.  Thereafter, Marian and her husband Max developed keen interest in gemstones and rocks, becoming “Rock Hounds” and very active members in the Richmond, Indiana Rock & Gem Society Club.  Marian eventually was elected president of the Rock & Gem Society Club and served in that position for 8 years.  They loved travelling out west to hunt for and study various rocks and gemstones.  From this love started a hobby of designing jewelry and the incorporation of many of their different rocks & gems.  As their hobby grew, it eventually turned into a successful jewelry business that lasted for many years.

Many of Marian’s nieces fondly remember sharing numerous holidays and summer picnics with their Aunt Marian and Uncle Max.  They will cherish memories of getting together on warm summer days with their parents and their favorite Aunt and Uncle to play cards, tell stories, and eat homemade ice cream.

Marian will be remembered by her family and friends for her easy going, caring nature and warm laughter.  She will live in our hearts forever.  Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn.