Marilyn Ritter Gillespie

Marilyn (Ritter) Gillespie, 71, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away September 24, 2022, in Little Rock.  She was born August 11, 1951, in Evansville, Indiana to the late William Henry and Delores Mae (Peyton) Ritter.

Marilyn graduated from Harrison High School in Evansville, Indiana.  She received a BS in Education from Indiana University.  Marilyn married the love of her life on July 6, 1974, in Evansville, Indiana and recently celebrated 48 years together. Marilyn taught elementary education in schools in Alabama, preschool in Pittsburgh, PA, and 25 ½ years at Angie Grant Elementary, teaching 2^nd and 3^rd grades. She was selected the 2011 Teacher of the Year for the Benton School District.  Her passion for teaching and love for students was exemplified in her classroom year after year.  Fellow teachers said, “She was always bringing out the best in her students with her positive comments and high expectations.”  Marilyn agreed that “Success was the only option in her classroom.”  Her favorite part of teaching was watching the moment when a student clearly understood something for the first time.  She was a lifetime member of Job’s Daughters.  Marilyn was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening and cooking, especially cooking for others. 

Preceding Marilyn in death are her parents, William and Delores Ritter; and her in-laws, Fred and Irene Gillespie. 

Marilyn leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, Barry Monroe Gillespie; two sons:  Patrick and Ryan Gillespie; sister, Roz Bedell and husband Steve; and a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM, Thursday, September 29, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Funeral service, officiated by Rev. Kim Hammer, will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, September 30 at the funeral home with burial immediately following at Rosemont Cemetery.  Assisting as pallbearers are:  Chris Lobus, Tyler Flanigan, Levere Ruff, Max Harris, Dennis Sprawling, and Chris Grandon.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that you consider a donation in Marilyn’s name to her favorite charity, Best Friends Animal Society at www.bestfriends.org.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.