Marie Margaret Dillman (née Bodenstein)

Marie Margaret Dillman, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on October 2, 1934, she was the daughter of German immigrants and carried a deep pride in her heritage throughout her life.

She is survived by her children, Gail (Steve) Davidson, Andy (Kimm) Dillman, and Ralph (Sharon) Dillman; ten grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Ralph F. Dillman; her daughter, Diane (Jim) Cahall; her parents, Andrew and Margarete Bodenstein; and her brother, John Bodenstein.

Marie grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from St. Xavier Commercial School. She began her career with the Red Cross before joining the Cincinnati Milling Machine Company as a secretary in the shipping department. It was there she met her husband, Ralph, who had recently begun his apprenticeship. During this time, she also played on the company softball team, an early reflection of her lifelong love of sports, teamwork, and community.

She and Ralph were married on August 6, 1955, at Sacred Heart Church in Camp Washington and built a life rooted in faith, family, and shared experiences. Together they enjoyed camping trips, cruises, and family travel, especially time spent in Michigan. Marie also looked forward each fall to the Covered Bridge Festival in Indiana and traveled to Germany to connect with her family’s roots.

After starting their family, she devoted herself to raising their children while remaining actively involved in their lives, particularly through sports. She also worked from home, completing clerical work for the Polk Company and soldering circuit boards for World Engines.

She and her family shared a home with her mother and later cared for her in her final years.

Beyond her family responsibilities, Marie enjoyed a rich and active social life. She participated in card games and bridge groups and was an avid bingo player. In her younger years, she enjoyed roller dance skating with Ralph and later roller skating with her family.

Marie was a devoted parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church Dry Ridge, where she actively supported numerous parish activities. Alongside Ralph, she helped run church bingo, supporting fundraising efforts for a parish center addition, and was involved with the church festival for many years.

In 1972, she began volunteering in the cafeteria at St. John the Baptist School, which led to her role as cafeteria manager—a position she held until 1989. Dedicated to the students, she took pride in improving the lunch program, including introducing a salad bar and expanding meal options.

In her free time, she enjoyed tending her raspberry bushes & flowers, gardening, maintaining her routines, and spending peaceful afternoons at home. She valued simplicity, familiarity, and the comfort of everyday life.

Above all, Marie treasured her family and took great pride in watching it grow through the generations. She was a loving grandmother to Allison (AJ) Sagen, Erin (Jeremy) Nandory, Drew (Ashley) Dillman, Lindsay (Jon) Queen, Ben (Hailey) Cahall, Derek (Becky) Dillman, Zach (Katie) Dillman, Katie Dillman, Rachel Dillman, and Casey Dillman; and a cherished great-grandmother to McKenna, Madeline, Rory, Keira, Evelyn, Ellie, Wylie, Lucy, Ryan, Junior, Vivienne, and Owen.

Visitation will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Pete St. George officiating, all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (Dry Ridge) located at 5361 Dry Ridge Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45252. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery located at 11000 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249.

Marie spent her final years at Harrison Trail Health Campus, where she was cared for with compassion, kindness, and dignity. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, aides, and staff for their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marie’s honor to: St. John the Baptist Church Dry Ridge and/or Queen City Hospice.