Marilyn Arlene Keirn

Marilyn Arlene Keirn, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away at the age of 88 on December 14, 2025, at The Waters of Wabash West in Wabash, Indiana. Born on May 14, 1937, in Huntington, Indiana, to Clifford Arlo and Gladys (Sours) Cormany, Arlene was a devoted family member and a caring healthcare professional.

Arlene's educational journey began at Laketon High School, from which she graduated in 1955. She further pursued her passion for helping others by obtaining a degree in Nursing from Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With a remarkable career spanning thirty-two years, she dedicated twenty years to Wabash Hospital before continuing her commitment to patient care for twelve additional years at Anderson Visiting Nurse. Her compassion and professionalism in nursing left a lasting impression on her colleagues and patients alike.

Beyond her professional life, Arlene was a woman of strong character and immense love for her family, particularly her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. Her warm heart, independence, and strong-willed nature endeared her to many; she was known for her loving and giving spirit. In her leisure time, Arlene found joy in crafting, gardening—including picking dandelions, which she despised—taking car rides through the countryside, camping, and crocheting. Her three cherished Yorkies, Zip, Bronco, and Bella, along with her beloved cat, Sammy, brought additional warmth and companionship to her life over the years.

Arlene married Porter L. Eads on June 10, 1955. While their marriage did not endure, they shared the joy of raising five children together. After her first marriage, she married Dennis E. Idlewine on February 3, 1989, who sadly passed away on April 22, 2007. She later found love again with Bud Keirn, marrying him on May 1, 2010, until his passing on September 24, 2017.

The loving memory of Marilyn Arlene Keirn will be forever cherished by her children, Andrea Eads, North Manchester, Sylvia Eads, Warsaw, Laura (Mike) Leisure, North Manchester, and Steven (Lisa Workman) Eads, Lagro; sisters, Sharon Casper, Laketon and Connie Funk, Sandy Beach; eleven grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Dennis Idlewine and Bud Keirn; ex-husband, Porter Eads; son, Allen Eads; brothers, Jacob Cormany Sr. and Charles Cormany; sisters, Hilda Cormany and Norma Namislo; and grandchildren, Melynda “Mindy” Leisure and Gregory Welch.

Family and friends may call Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral Services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Rocky Addair Jr. officiating. Burial will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery in North Manchester, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Marilyn Arlene Keirn, memorial contributions may be made to Wabash County CASA, 1 West Hill Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

The family of Marilyn Arlene Keirn has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.