Marilyn Margaret Raber

Marilyn M. Raber(nee Whitten), age 79, of Cuyahoga Falls, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 6, 2026 at Hospice of Western Reserve in Medina.

Marilyn was born in Akron, Ohio to the late James P. & Elizabeth (Fath) Whitten on June 30, 1947. She grew up in the Summit Lake area of Akron, attending and graduating from St. Mary's High School class of 1965. While Marilyn was a quiet shy student, she was athletically talented, especially in basketball. Upon graduation, she began work at the only place she was ever employed, St. Thomas hospital. She started out in the cafeteria as a tray girl, and then became a candy striper, eventually becoming an RN following graduation from the St. Thomas School of Nursing in 1971. Marilyn was a selfless hard worker who was dedicated to her craft, helping coworkers graciously whenever possible, and showed compassion above and beyond normal limits for both her patients and their families. She worked in the ICU on nights/weekends for 30 years before switching to the Pain Management Clinic until her much deserved retirement in 2009.

It was while working at St Thomas that she met the love of her life, William (Bill) Raber. Bill worked in the hospital lab, while Marilyn worked in the ICU. They subsequently wed on the 19th of January, 1973, moved to Cuyahoga Falls, and shared 44 years of marriage until Bill's sudden passing in 2017. They welcomed one son, Brian, who now misses both of them dearly.

After Bill's passing, Marilyn struggled with health problems of various sorts. We truly believe both her body and mind finally gave out from giving all that she had to give in terms of selfless love for others.

Marilyn's personality and ethos were that of a caregiver through and through. She was always helping others with whatever burden they carried at the time. Marilyn would always graciously spend time listening to others who needed a friendly ear to lean on, or provide direct care to both family and friends who required further help as they aged. She never spoke ill of anyone, was always a peacemaker amongst family and friends, and was truly selfless in every way. If you ever worked with her or knew her socially, or shared your problems with her in some way personally, know that she spent countless hours praying for you and your particular needs. We are confident that her spiritual 'work' continues unabated for you and your loved ones from heaven.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, brother David Whitten, niece Roxanne Gibson, great-nephew Robert 'Bobby' Prete II, and great-nephew Tristen Shrum. She is survived by her son, Brian Raber(Marie) of Cuyahoga Falls, sister Elizabeth Diane Prete of Cary, NC, brother James P.Whitten Jr.(Lynn) of Munroe Falls, sister Carol C. Dawson of Newport News, VA, along with many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Likewise, many friends, former coworkers, and neighbors will miss her spirit and compassion.

The family would like to thank the staff at Summa Akron City's ICU, Summa Akron City's Acute Palliative Care Unit, and Hospice of Western Reserve in Medina for the excellent care and compassion they provided Marilyn in the remaining weeks of her life. We would also like to extend gratitude to the doctors who provided care for Marilyn over the last few years of her life as well. These include Dr. Gary Pinta, Dr. Deanna Horrigan, Dr. Gina Chiarappa, and Dr. Carlo Marino. May God bless all of them as they continue to provide care for others.

Per her wishes, Marilyn has been cremated and there will be no services. She will be interred at Oakwood Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls at a later date next to her husband Bill.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to a charity of your choice. Marilyn believed fiercely in helping others in life; please pass that spirit on to someone else with your generosity.