Marilyn Graham Hale Roy, 84, of Russell Springs, KY passed from this life on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Russell County Hospital. She was born Friday, February 21, 1941 in Louisville, a daughter of the late Graham Vaughan and Sara Bates Hale.
She was a life-long member of the Church at the Springs, which started in the living room of her grandparents’ home. Ms. Marilyn’s faithful devotion to her church through the Fellowship Team and church choir continued until her passing.
Earning her Rank I in Education, Ms. Marilyn was an acclaimed educator, retiring after 36 years with the Russell County School System. The years formulating the minds and characters of the community’s youth were spent at Russell Springs Elementary School, where she taught 2ndgrade, then on to Middle School, educating the 8th grade students. She remained in touch with the education community through her retired teachers’ KAPPA Group.
Ms. Marilyn was a historian, maintaining a vast memory of people, places and dates. She was a “picker” of antiques before the term was used; a purveyor of décor and fashion; and had an unquenchable thirst for reading. She was famously known for her Italian cream cakes, coconut cream pies and her spaghetti.
SURVIVORS:
1 daughter: Beth Hale Roy (and James Mark) Rhea of Bowling Green
1 brother: Dr. Mark B. (and Tina) Hale of Bowling Green
1 sister: Mary Ella (and L. Stephen) Holt of Simpsonville
2 grandsons: Cameron James Rhea and Isaac Graham Rhea
Cousins: Brooks (and Winfrey) Bates and Scott (and Brenda) Pierce
Niece: Brandie Elizabeth Holt
3 great-nephews: Jackson Stephen Jeffries, Mason Graham Jeffries and Walker Vaughan Jeffries
Along with her parents, Ms. Marilyn is preceded in death by her beloved husband, N. Roger Roy; her sister, Vaunene Greene; and her nephew, Lucas Graham Holt.
Funeral Service: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 2:00pmCT at The Church at the Springs with Dr. Mark B. Hale and Pastor Taylor Evans officiating
Burial: Russell Springs City Cemetery
Visitation: After 10:00amCT on Tuesday at the Church at the Springs
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to The Church at the Springs, in memory of Ms. Marilyn.
Active Pallbearers: Cameron James Rhea, Isaac Graham Rhea, Jackson Stephen Jeffries, Mason Graham Jeffries, Walker Vaughan Jeffries, James Mark Rhea and L. Stephen Holt
Honorary Pallbearers: Brooks Bates and Scott Pierce
Arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
