Marilyn Barham

Marilyn Barham, 94, of Merrill, went to meet her Lord on Monday, April 18, 2016 at Pine Crest in Merrill. She was born December 15, 1921 in Muskegon, Mich., to Daniel and Bertha Swindell. Marilyn married Paul Earle in 1941 and he preceded her in death in 1954, after they had moved to Dallas, Texas. They had two daughters, Carolyn and Cynthia. She married Charles Barham in 1955 and he preceded her in death in 1988. They had one daughter, Judith Ann, and she preceded them in death in 1969. Marilyn was multi-talented and she used her beautiful voice to praise God in church and to entertain at nursing homes. Her artistry provided her family with many paintings and drawings. She used her love of sewing to do alterations for her friends at Jenny Towers. Most of all, she loved her Lord and she spent a large part of her day reading her Bible. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; one daughter, Judith Ann; and her three sisters, Mildred, Myrdis and Mary. She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Kniess, Merrill and Cynthia (Mark) Albers, Kaufman, Texas; two grandchildren, Cynthia (Jim) Leskey, Merrill and Kevin (Michelle) Kniess, Verona; and four great-grandchildren, Matt and Nick Leskey, Merrill and Cassie and Madison Kniess, Verona. A private memorial service will be held for Marilyn this summer. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com