Marilyn Jane Boardman, 89, of Wabash, Indiana, passed peacefully, Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 27, 1936, in Wabash, Indiana, to Jack William and Arbutus (Williams) Mattern.
Marilyn lived a life defined by hard work and deep devotion to her faith and family. She attended Somerset High School and Manchester College. She married John B. Boardman in Yuma, Arizona on May 9, 1953. They resided in San Diego, California until moving back to Indiana in 1955. During their years together they lived and worked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dallas, Texas, and Charlotte, North Carolina but in 1968 returned home to Wabash to stay. They worked together at their business; Boardman Gravely Sales, for 10 years. Marilyn then accepted a position as office manager at Trans-Industries in Marion and retired after 20 years. After retirement she obtained her realtor’s license and worked as a realtor for 10 years.
She is survived by her husband, John B. Boardman of Wabash; two daughters, Christi (Rick) Schmidt of Stillwater, Minnesota, and Renee Frank of Wabash; four grandchildren, Robert “Rob” (Kaitlyn) Working of Lagro, Indiana, Andrew Working of Marysville, Washington, Abigail (Josh) Rhoads of Indianapolis, and Bradley (Kayla) Frank of Wabash; twelve great-grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; brothers and sister, Jon (Shirley) Mattern of Marion, Indiana, Janet Johnson of Marion, Indiana and Steven (Judith) Mattern of Ocala, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law, Rod Frank, granddaughter-in-law, Tiffany Frank, and her brother, Ramon Mattern.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Bradley Frank, her grandson, officiating. Burial will be in Friends Cemetery, Wabash. Visitation for family and friends will be 9-11:00 am Thursday, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are Samaritan’s Purse and LIFE Center of Wabash.
The memorial guest book for Marilyn may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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